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Forums - Research / Post-WW2 |
This Post WW2 forum is intended for asking and discussing reference or historical related issues pertaining to any time after WW2 (1945+) subjects. |
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| Subject: | Re: Photos of Chieftains Tested By IDF? |  |
| Date: | Jun 10, 2003 |
| From: | Iddo Golan | |
Actually, four Chieftains were tested in Israel - two were sent over for testing in desert environment in 1965, then replaced by two others, the original pair going back to UK for examination of wear and tear.
The Chieftains were based in South-Central Israel, and kept inside hangers during daylight hours to avoid observation. For trial runs, they were transported south into the Negev desert by train.
The tanks were tested by a dedicated company that was formed especially for the trials. When the 1967 Six Day War approached, the British embassy demanded written assurances that the Chieftains would not be sent into action. Not content with this measure, embassy staff stripped the Chieftains of fire control equipment to render them unusable.
Israel was very much interested in acquiring the Chieftains. The IDF Armor Corps fought fiercely to secure the large purchase budget that was required, and local industry geared up to do subcontracting work.
At the end of the 1967 war, Israel was determined to build up its armored forces, and was eager to close the Chieftain acquisition deal. However, the UK refused to sell the tanks to Israel. This lead to a decision to produce a homegrown Israeli tank – now known as the Merkava. The experience gained in the extensive Chieftain trials program served the Merkava designers well. |
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