The Merkava Mk 2 is an improved version of the previous Mk 1 Main Battle Tank. This tank is a main battle tank used by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and named after a Biblical chariot. The Mk 2 has improved armor protection, new transmission, increased fuel storage, and some other improvements over its predecessor. Production of the Merkava Mk 2 commenced in 1983 and ceased in 1989. A total of 580 of these tanks were built. This tank is still in service, even though it is considered out-dated.