What is the story on the Russian and Israeli tank exchange? Isn't the captured Magach 3 on display in Damascus now an older tank? Now that Isreal has far better tank like Merkava. So, why the exchange?

That Magach 3 was captured by the Syrians during the battle of "Sultan Ya'akov' in '82. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Sultan_Yacoub

After the war it was displayed in Damscus and later transferred to the Kubinka Armor Museum in Moscow. Since three IDF tank crewmen are still MIA from that battle, the tank has a significant emotional value for Israelis. Mr. Putin has agreed to return the tank to Israel, and the Kubinka Museum got a replacement Magach 3 instead of the captured tank which was airlifted back to Tel-Aviv.

Don't even ask me what this thing is, because I haven't got a clue...All I know that is used for clearing mines.

"Doobi, I'm your father..."

"Trophy" equipped IDF "Stryker" during the evaluation trials.

Oh, you can't miss the address. There's a "Magach" in my backyard. No.1.



Oh, you can't miss the address. There's a "Magach" in my backyard. No.2.

No, that's not in Vietnam. Lebanon '82.



A mine-roller equipped "Magach" on an assault-bridge.

Pontoon bridge towed by a "Magach" during the '73 "Yom Kipur" war.

Is that a rocking chair in the turret basket...?



Swimming "Magach".



Stuck "Magach".

Apparently this picture was the inspiration for the boxart of AFV Club's "Sho't Dalet"...

Searchlight equipped "Sho't"'s.

Some "Sho't" stowage ideas...



"Damascus Express"

another rarity, Namer with carpet system...



and trophy.

enjoy!

Actually that's a combat engineering sub-variant called the "Namera" (Namer Handasa).

http://www.janes.com/article/59629/idf-unveils-engineering-namers

IDF's "Trophy" APS in action.

http://defense-update.com/20160131_future_aps.html

New "Sandcat" variant.

http://defense-update.com/20160615_sandcat-2.html

IDF targets Syrian military airport for the first time with "Extra" guided missiles.

http://defense-update.com/20161208_israels-precision-rockets.html

happy new year, you guys... Merkava "Command vehicle".



and, not sure about all those fittings on the turret roof, I'll leave that to you to figure out...

IDF's new artillery system, the "Atoms".

Great Pics!!

"Achzarit" equipped with "Drakonit" RWS.

A "Merkava IV" alongside an "Achzarit".

Little late reply but thanks for the info behind the tank exchange. If I was a family member I too would want that back. Glad they allowed it to take place and prayers go out for the 3 MIA soldiers.

Those Strykers look interesting. I believe black dog or somebody did conversion of it?? Btw, hope you have a great New Years as well.

Thanks Mike, likewise! Stick around as more pics will follow...

A "Merkava IV" is dressed up in Fibrotex's thermal camouflage system.





More info here: http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.co.at/2016/07/merkava-4-with-fibrotex-camouflage.html