Sabra

   The Sabra main battle tank is an upgrade of the M60A3 developed in Israel to extend service life of the ageing M60 series tanks and making them capable. Upgraded tanks have increased lethality, protection and mobility. The Sabra main battle tanks are currently in service with Israel and Turkey. A contract to upgrade 170 M60 main battle tanks in service with Turkish army to the Sabra Mk.2 standard was awarded to Israel Military Industries (IMI) in 2002 and the first prototype was delivered for trials and evaluation in 2005. It entered service with the Turkish Army and is locally known as the M60T. A total of 170 Turkish Army tanks were upgraded.

   Vehicle is fitted with new modular armor protection. Upgraded vehicles retain their original, but up-armored turrets. Upgraded tanks are equipped with automatic fire suppression systems.

   The Sabra main battle tank is armed with a 120-mm smoothbore gun. This gun was developed in Israel and is similar to the Merkava Mk.3 gun. It is significantly superior to the original 105-mm gun installed on the M60 series tanks. This gun is capable of firing all standard NATO 120-mm ammunition. This gun is loaded manually. A total of 42 rounds for the main gun are carried. The Sabra also has new Knight fire control system.

   Secondary armament consists of coaxial 7.62-mm machine gun, and two machine guns of the same caliber mounted on top of the roof. Alternatively a 5.45-mm MGs can be used. The Sabra MBT is also fitted with a 60-mm mortar.

   The Sabra main battle tank has a crew of four, including commander, gunner, loader and driver.

   Vehicle is powered by Continental AVDS-1790-5A turbocharged diesel engine, developing 900 horsepower. Chassis of the M60A3 has been upgraded to coupe with increased weight and for better cross-country mobility.

Variants

   Sabra Mk.1 an upgraded version of the Magach 7C, fitted with a 120-mm gun, improved add-on armor and new fire control system. Running gear was also upgraded;

   Sabra Mk.2 is fitted with modular passive armor and explosive reactive armor. Modular armor can be easily replaced if damaged or upgraded if more advanced armor is available. This version can be identified by a large M60-style commander cupola. It is powered by a more powerful German MTU 881 turbocharged diesel engine, developing 1 000 hp. The Sabra Mk.2 is in service with the Turkish Army and is locally known as the M60T;

   Sabra Mk.3 is fitted with armor, similar to that of the Merkava Mk.4 main battle tank. Commander's machine gun is enclosed and operated remotely.