The Achzarit is a late Cold War era mechanized infantry combat vehicle of Israeli origin. Unlike foreign mechanized infantry combat vehicles the Achzarit emphasizes on armour instead of firepower. The Achzarit is based on the chassis of captured T-54 and T-55 main battle tanks. The Achzarit is supplements and replaces older heavy armored personnel carriers based on the Centurion chassis.

The Achzarit is based on a T-54 or T-55 tank chassis that was heavily modified. The three man crew is seated at the front. The troop compartment seats seven troops and is located in what used to be the turret ring. The original engine and drivetrain have been replaced by a smaller model located at the rear left. On the right side of the engine there is a crew hatch.

The Achzarit is fitted with a Rafael overhead weapon system which is armed with a 7.62mm MAG machine gun or 12.7mm M2HB heavy machine gun. Additionally two or three 7.62mm MAG machine guns are pintle mounted.

The original armour package of the T-55 tank chassis remains unchanged, but is supplemented by spaced armour. This provides all round protection against common RPG-7 rocket launcher warheads and autocannon rounds. Reportedly the frontal armour is able to withstand 125mm tank gun rounds. If true, these are likely older types of 125mm rounds.

The tracked chassis provides good off road mobility. The original engine was replaced by a smaller Detroit Diesel 650 hp turbocharged diesel engine. The Achzarit was considered underpowered and unable to keep up with Merkava tanks. A Mk 2 model with more powerful 850 hp turbocharged diesel remedies this shortcoming.

The Achzarit was produced for the Israel Defence Forces and has not been exported. It remains in use today, but is to be supplemented and replaced in the near future by the Namer.