Morocco seeks sale of enhancements to 162 Abrams tanks from US

The Government of Morocco has requested the sale of enhancements for 162 Abrams tanks from the US for an estimated cost of $1.259bn.

Congress has been notified about the possible foreign military sale by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency.

Approved by the US State Department, the enhancements will be procured through the excess defense article (EDA) programme and will involve variants such as M1A1 Abrams situational awareness (baseline version), M1A2M with commander’s independent thermal viewer, or M1A1 US Marine Corps version that includes slew to cue.

The potential sale will also cover 162 M2 Chrysler mount machine guns, 324 M240 machine guns, 1,035 M865 training SABOT rounds, and 1,610 M831Al heat rounds.

Additional items to be procured include 162 export single channel ground and airborne radio systems (SINCGARS), 162 RT-1702 receiver transmitters, 162 M250 smoke grenade launchers, and special armour, as well as other related elements of logistics and programme support.

In a statement, DSCA said: “This proposed sale of M1A1 tank enhancements will contribute to the modernisation of Morocco’s tank fleet, enhancing its ability to meet current and future threats. These tanks will contribute to Morocco’s goal of updating its military capability while further enhancing interoperability with the United States and other allies.”

General Dynamics Land Systems will serve as the prime contractor for the sale.

DSCA noted that the enhancement work will be carried out at Anniston Army Depot in Anniston, Alabama, and the Joint Systems Manufacturing Center in Lima, Ohio.

Under Moroccan law, one offset agreement is expected in connection with this potential sale.

Approximately 55 US Government and 13 contractor representatives will manage the programme’s fielding and training for up to five years.