Suggestion: Add LAHAT ATGM to the Merkava Mk.4 Series (especially the Mk.4M)
🔶 Introduction
The Merkava Mk.4 lineup in War Thunder represents a modern Israeli MBT series. It features realistic systems such as thermal sights, competitive APFSDS rounds (like M338), and even a functional Trophy APS on the Mk.4M.
However, it’s missing a crucial part of its real-world loadout: the LAHAT (Laser Homing Attack/Anti-Tank) missile — a guided, gun-launched ATGM system developed for the Israeli Merkava fleet.
🔷 Technical Background
The LAHAT missile is compatible with the 120 mm smoothbore gun used on the Merkava Mk.3 and Mk.4 series.
It uses semi-active laser guidance and can be fired from under full armor.
It features top-attack capability, with estimated penetration of ~800–900 mm after ERA.
Effective firing range is up to 8 km, giving it long-range engagement utility.
It has been tested, fielded, and exported (e.g., to Germany, India, Chile).
Sources: Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, SIPRI, Jane’s Defence Weekly
⚖️ Why LAHAT would be fair and balanced in War Thunder:
- Other nations already have gun-launched ATGMs
Russia: T-72B3, T-80U/BVM, T-90A/M with 9M119 Refleks
China: ZTZ99A with GP125 → These missiles offer high penetration, long range, and are already effective in-game.
- Merkava Mk.4M is not overpowered – LAHAT would give it a niche, not dominance
While it has Trophy APS and good reverse speed, the Merkava has:
a large turret silhouette
average acceleration
limited turret armor vs. modern KE rounds
LAHAT would add tactical flexibility, not make it unstoppable.
- Realism and consistency
The Merkava series was designed to use LAHAT, and there is no reason for its exclusion from a vehicle as advanced as the Mk.4M.
Israel’s tech tree is marketed on realism — LAHAT’s absence feels arbitrary.
🔚 Conclusion
Adding the LAHAT missile to the Merkava Mk.4 series (especially the Mk.4M) would:
enhance tactical variety and realism,
bring parity with other nations’ top-tier MBTs,
and strengthen the identity of the Israeli ground tech tree.
This is not a request for a “buff,” but a request for historical accuracy and fair gameplay design.
Thanks for reading!
(Merkava main, 12.0 lineup, open to discussion)