The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress of $1.15bn potential sale of M1A2S Abrams main battle tanks (MBT) and M88Al/A2 heavy equipment recovery combat utility lift evacuation system (HERCULES) armoured recovery vehicles (ARV) to Saudi Arabia.
Under the sale, Saudi Arabia requested 153 M1Al/A2 tanks for conversion to 133 M1A2S Saudi Abrams configured MBTs, as well as 20 battle damage replacements, 20 M88A l/A2 Hercules ARVs and 169 AN/VAS-5 driver vision enhancer-Abrams (DVE-A).
The sale will also cover 153 M2 .50-calibre machine guns, 266 7.62mm M240 machine guns, 153 M250 smoke grenade launchers, 133 AN/PVS-7B night vision devices, 4,256 rounds of M865 training ammunition, and 2,394 rounds of M831Al training ammunition.
In addition, Saudi Arabia has sought overhaul and refurbishment services, spare and repair parts, communications equipment, personnel training, and testing equipment.
The procurement of the equipment will improve the Royal Saudi Land Force’s (RSLF) interoperability with US forces.
Saudi Arabia will use its enhanced capability to meet current and future threats, as well as provide greater security for its critical infrastructure.
General Dynamics Land Systems will serve as the prime contractor for the sale, which will enhance Saudi Arabia's ability to support its soldiers in the field and defend the Kingdom’s borders.
