Taking into account the experience gained during the Lebanon War of 1982, the Israeli industry in September 1983 moved to the production of the modernized Merkava Mk.2 tank, which differs from the previous model in enhanced armor protection and increased cross-country ability. The armoring of the tower is strengthened by installing overhead screens with combined armor. The steel side screens have also been replaced with screens using a new type of armor. The screens are suspended on steel leaf springs in order to reduce the probability of their loss when driving over rough terrain. In the lower part of the stern of the tower, metal chains with balls are suspended along its perimeter. They serve as a kind of anti-cumulative screens designed to reduce the impressive effect of cumulative projectiles and ATGMs, since the combat parts of the latter are activated before meeting the main armor of the tank. Baskets for property are hung on the stern of the hull, as well as anti-cumulative screens. The mortar was moved from the roof to the inside of the tower. Now shooting and loading is done from inside the tank. The semi-automatic transmission "Allison" CD850-6BX is replaced by a more reliable automatic transmission of the Israeli company "Ashot". Fuel tank capacity increased by 25%. The modernization of the chassis consisted in the installation of hydraulic stops on the two front suspension units. Improved fire control system due to the installation of a more advanced ballistic calculator and a new laser range finder. The air defense system was developed by the Israeli company "Elbit" and received the name "Matador-2". Since October 1984, a thermal imager (Merkava Mk.2B) has been included in the AMS. The total number of built Mk.2 and Mk.2B is estimated at 550-600 pieces.
