According to a tweet of Junsupreme on August 20, confirming what Army Recognition published last 21 March, Merkava Mk.5 main battle tank, known as Barak, will be delivered to the Israeli Defense Force's Armored Brigade in 2023.
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Israel Defense Force’s next-generation tank, Merkava Mark 5 dubbed “Barak” (or “lightning” in Hebrew)will enter initial service in the Armored Corps  in 2023 (Picture source: Twitter account of Junsupreme)

Israel Defense Force’s next-generation tank, Merkava Mark 5 dubbed “Barak” (or “lightning” in Hebrew)will enter initial service in the Armored Corps within a year, Walla reported on March 17.

The tank will have an upgraded Trophy active protection system (APS) to counter the most advanced anti-tank missiles, made by Rafael; a 360-degree camera coverage for day and night views, and boosted situational awareness; and a head-up display for the tank commander, similar to that of a fighter jet pilot.

The tank will also include new sensors enabling it to independently acquire targets and strike them rapidly, as well as deploy electronic-warfare capabilities and advanced processing systems. Many of the new capabilities have been outlined in the Defense Ministry’s Carmel next-generation fighting vehicle program, which was awarded to Israel Aerospace Industries in October 2021.

Notice that the latest version in the Merkava family – the Merkava 4 Windbreaker – is already equipped with the Trophy APS (Active Protection System) that protects the tank from a wide variety of threats ranging from rockets, ATGMs and platform-fired High-Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) rounds. Trophy offers 360° protection in azimuth, as well as extensive elevation coverage while maintaining a pre-defined safety zone for friendly troops on the ground. The neutralization process is initiated only if the threat is about to hit the vehicle.

At the IDF Headquarters, an advisory team was set up after the outbreak of the war in Ukraine to learn from the war.