The M48 Patton is an American first-generation main battle tank (MBT) introduced in February 1952, being designated as the 90mm Gun M48, armored, full-tracked, combat vehicle of the medium-gun tank class." [7]

The first M48 Patton tanks acquired by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) were purchased from West Germany in the early 1960s (M48A2 variant) in a secret arms deal, followed by deliveries from the United States after 1965 (M48A1 and M48A2C [1] vehicles) when Germany cancelled further deliveries after the deal was exposed.

At this time Israel had 250 M48 tanks, 150 of them M48A1 and 100 of them M48A2, all of these armed with a 90mm main gun. Israel upgraded those tanks to M48A3's by replacing their engines and transmissions with newer models.

The IDF had also a number of Magach (מגח; Ma-GAKH) tanks in Israeli service which were based on the American M48 and M60 Patton tanks. The Magach 1, 2, 3, and 5 were based upon M48 tanks; the later Magach 6 and 7 were based upon M60 tanks.

The M48A1, produced from 1952 to 1956, was a notable improvement upon what was largely viewed as a lackluster tank. To improve its range, the M48A1 utilized four external fuel drums upon the rear of the chassis.

After the Yom Kippur War the IDF received large numbers of M48, M60 and M60A1 tanks to replace the tanks that had been lost in the fierce fighting. During the late 1970's Israel received 150 M48A5 tanks from US, designated Magach 5 by the IDF.

The M48 took part in the 1967 fighting mostly on the Sinai front against the Egyptian army. During the war Israel captured about 100 M48 and M48A1 tanks from Jordan and used them as their own tanks after the war.

Feb 24, 2020 · Magach 3 - Modernized version of the M48A1 and M48A2 tanks; fitted with 105mm L7 main gun; 750hp diesel Continental AVDS-1790-2A engines; Allison transmission; low-profile cupola.

Sep 7, 2011 · US-made M48A1 and M48A2 Patton tanks were modified by IDF's Ordnance Corps. This upgrade included 105mm L7 gun, M1/Sherman/Urdan cupola (later only Urdan cupola), AVDS 1790a diesel...

Beginning in 1959, most American M48A1s and A2s were upgraded to the M48A3 model. The M48 Patton-series saw widespread service with the United States and NATO until it was superseded by the M60 tank. It was widely exported.