The Merkava Mk 3 MBT, first shown in 1989, is fitted with the LWS-2 advanced threat warning system which has been developed by AMCORAM, a member of the AMCOR Group.

The system provides an alert whenever optical radiation is aimed at the vehicle from any direction and warns against enemy presence and attack intentions all in real time.

The indication includes the type of radiation, such as infra-red searchlight, laser range-finder or laser designator, with additional options being available according to the customer's specific operational requirements. The RS-232 output is to the main tank computer.

The complete AMCORAM LWS-2 laser warning system comprises three radiation sensors which are positioned around the vehicle, typically on the turret, to give a full '360° coverage; a data processing unit; a command, control and display unit which also includes an operation and test switches indicator; and interconnecting wiring harnesses.

The sensing element is tailored to the type of vehicle for which it is intended, while the display unit provides the commander with the following information:

(1) threat identification

(2) visual directional display of threat source, clock dial style or digital display

(3) audio alert to the commander and/or crew.

The display unit includes an indication of the type of radiation detected, multiple radiation sources detection, source direction and system failure alert.

The display unit also includes the following operation and command controls: main power switch, audio mute switch, day/night illumination intensity switch, test push-button and additional/prior threat.

As far as is known, the Merkava Mk3 is the first MBT to be fitted with a threat warning system as a standard production system.

The AMCORAM LWS-2 laser warning system forms a key part of the Israel Military Industries Ltd ARPAM technologies demonstrator covered later in this section.

As of mid-1999 ARPAM remains at the prototype stage.

The AMCORAM LWS-2 is also being offered for the retrofit market and at least one system has been supplied to France. This is for installation on an AMX-10RC turret as part of its basic countermeasures kit. For the French market SAGEM are working with AMCORAM. Details of this system are given earlier in this section under France. It is currently being evaluated by the French Army.

In production. In service with the Israel Defence Force on the Merkava Mk 3 MBT.