April 8,2008: Right on schedule, Israel has rolled out its first new Nemer IFV (infantry fighting vehicle). This vehicle is based on the chassis of older Merkava I and II series tanks that are being retired. There was one unexpected feature. The Nemer has a toilet. That's actually not a first for an infantry combat vehicle (not counting many previous improvisations.) The current British Warrior and Swedish CV 90 also have toilets on board. In the combat zone, it's often prudent to keep everyone inside for extended periods. So a toilet makes sense. In practice, the onboard toilet is generally not used for its designed purpose, and is instead used for storage. No one wants to clean the damn thing, even when there's shooting going on outside.

The Nemer will have the thick armor of the Merkava. With the turret removed, a remotely controlled (from inside the vehicle) heavy machine-gun has been added. The Merkava lends itself to this kind of modification, because the engine is mounted in the front and there is already a door in the back of the vehicle.

The Israelis liked the speed of the Stryker, which they considered ordering, but they felt they will still be fighting in urban areas, against Palestinian terrorists, in the next ten years. There, the Nemer has an edge, because of its thicker armor. Out in the open, the Stryker has an edge. If the Israelis cannot afford to build enough Nemers, they will add armor to their existing supply of M-113 APCs. But based on tests, trooper prefer the Nemer.

The Nemer will carry eleven people (a driver, gunner, vehicle commander and eight infantry). The passenger compartment is also equipped with a stretcher, that enables one casualty to be carried along with a full load of 11 troops. In addition to the remotely controlled 12.7mm machine-gun, there is also a roof hatch on the left forward part of the vehicle, for the commander to use, and also operate a 7.62mm machine-gun. The vehicle also has the Merkava battle management system, as well as four cameras providing 360 degree vision around the vehicle. The remotely controlled machine-gun has a night vision sight.

Israel has over two hundred Merkava I tanks, the oldest are at least 25 years old. Removing the turret leaves you with a 44 ton Nemer, the heaviest IFV ever built. Earlier, Israel had experimented with using T-55 and Centurion tanks as IFVs. This did not work because the engines in these vehicles were in the rear, where the exit doors of AFVs usually are. Thus troops had to enter and exit via top hatches. This was not a good idea in combat. When the older Merkavas became available, IFV conversions were an obvious application. Israeli troops were not happy with their elderly and poorly protected M113 APCs (Armored Personnel Carriers), and were eager to get a safer vehicle.

About fifteen Nemers are expected this year, and over a hundred more will eventually equip two combat brigades. The conversion process costs about $750,000 per vehicle. The first vehicles will enter service next year.