Production of the Merkava Mk.II started in 1983 and continued into 1989, when it was replaced with the introducion of the Mk.III.
Merkava Mk II
Main Battle Tank
The Mk.II reflects lessons learned from the Lebanon War. It has the same 105mm main gun as the Mk.I, new multi-plated layers of hull armor, stronger bazooka plates, a new firing system, an internal 60mm mortar, and chains hanging from the turret for protection from hollow shells.