Namer

   The Namer (tiger) heavy armored personnel carrier is a mayor element of the IDF modernization plan. The latest design of the Namer is based on the Merkava Mk.4 main battle tank chassis. Currently it is one of the most protected APCs in the world. It provides infantry with the level of protection and mobility matching those of the latest main battle tanks. A first batch of production vehicles was delivered in 2008. Israel plans to acquire few hundreds of these heavy armored personnel carriers.

   First prototype of this heavy armored personnel carrier, called Namera (tigress), was based on the out-dated Merkava Mk.1 MBT chassis. It was revealed and fielded in 2005 for trials and evaluation. This variant was offered for export customers, however it received no production orders. Conversion plans were abandoned in favor to newly-built Merkava Mk.4 chassis. Production of new vehicles rather than conversion was considered more practical and cost-effective. This variant was publicly revealed in 2008.

   The Namer heavy APC is fitted with modular armor and Trophy active protection system. For the first time active protection system is used as an integral element. Vehicle is also fitted with NBC protection and automatic fire suppression systems. The Namer offers the same protection level as the Merkava Mk.4.

   Vehicle is armed with remotely controlled weapon station, fitted with 12.7-mm machine gun, which can be replaced with 40-mm grenade launcher. There is also a manually-operated 7.62-mm machine gun, mounted on top of the roof. Vehicle is fitted with new battlefield management system.

   The Namer has a crew of two and provides accommodation for 10 infantrymen or two stretchers. Troops enter and leave the vehicle through the rear ramp, while there are two hatches on the hull roof for commander and gunner.

   Despite being based on Merkava Mk.4 running gear, the Namer has a different hull. Initial production vehicles are powered by the Merkava Mk.3 MBT Continental AVDS-1790-9AR diesel engine, developing 1 200 hp, however it will be replaced with more modern Continental or MTU unit.

   The IDF considers developing support variants of the Namer, such as command vehicle, armored recovery vehicle, technical support vehicle, ambulance, and infantry fighting vehicle, armed with 30-mm cannon and anti-tank guided missiles.