Morocco secretly gets US M1A2 SEPv3 tanks and Bradley IFVs.

According to Defense Arabia on November 30, 2023, the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) of Morocco recently received the first shipment of M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams Main Battle Tanks from the United States. The tanks were transported to the southern regions of Morocco using dedicated military trucks, attracting media attention due to the undisclosed number of tanks involved.
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The M1A2 SEP v.3 tank is armed with a range of weaponry, including a 120mm smoothbore gun, a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun, and a Low Profile (LP) CROWS armed with a 12.7mm machine gun. (Picture source: US DoD)

These M1A2 SEP v.3 Abrams tanks were shipped from California and loaded onto trains for their journey to Morocco. The publication also mentions another deal in which Morocco could have secured 500 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs) of an unspecified variant. Known for their ability to withstand challenging combat conditions, the Bradley IFVs are expected to accompany the Abrams tanks in various military operations conducted by Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces.

As of the year 2022, the Armed Forces of Morocco possessed a total of 656 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs). This inventory included 222 M1A1 SA Abrams, 220 M60A1 Patton, 120 M60A3 Patton, 40 T-72B, and 54 Type-90-II (MBT-2000). Additionally, 200 M48A5 Patton and 60 T-72B were held in storage.

A report by Army Recognition on December 14, 2023, disclosed that T-72B Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) that underwent modernization by the Czech company Excalibur Army for Morocco were scheduled for delivery to Ukraine. Following negotiations with the United States and the European Union, the Czech Ministry of Defense made the decision to provide the upgraded T-72 tanks initially intended for Morocco to Ukraine.

As reported by Army Recognition on September 12, 2022, Morocco World News indicated that Morocco would soon receive the latest generation of American M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams tanks. The announcement was made on the FAR Maroc forum, with the information that the tanks were modified to meet Morocco's specifications.

Morocco had previously acquired 200 M1A1 Abrams tanks in the Special Armor (SA) configuration for over a billion dollars in 2012, followed by an additional 162 M1A2 SEP v.3 Abrams tanks in 2018 for an estimated cost of $1.259 billion.

The M1A2 Abrams SEPv3, introduced in October 2015, represents a significant advancement from its predecessor. Equipped with advanced technology, the tank features improvements in survivability, maintainability, efficiency, and network capability. The enhanced lethality of the M1A2 SEPv3 is attributed to developmental upgrades and the integration of mature technologies, including the Ammunition DataLink (ADL), improved 120mm ammunition, Improved Forward-Looking Infrared (IFLIR), and the low-profile (LP) Common Remotely Operated Weapon System (CROWS).

Armed with a range of weaponry, including a 120mm smoothbore gun, a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun, and a Low Profile (LP) CROWS armed with a 12.7mm machine gun, the M1A2 SEPv3 can deploy various types of rounds, enhancing its global effectiveness against heavily armored targets. The tank's updated armor package within the turret and hull addresses various threats, including improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and the optional Trophy Active Protection System (APS) from the Israeli company Rafael further enhances its defensive capabilities.

Powered by a Honeywell AGT1500 gas turbine engine, the M1A2 SEPv3 can achieve a top speed of 68 km/h. Technological enhancements, such as the Ammunition DataLink (ADL), under-armor generator power unit, and Improved Forward-Looking Infrared (IFLIR), contribute to the tank's overall capabilities, making it a noteworthy asset in diverse operational conditions.

The delivery of these M1A2 SEP v.3 tanks is part of a broader series of military equipment purchases by the Kingdom of Morocco in 2023, focusing on reinforcing its military capacities, particularly in regions like the Sahel and Sahara, where security concerns have been identified. The acquisitions, for the ground forces alone, include American TOW anti-tank missiles, M142 HIMARS with ATACMS and GLMRS rockets, Israeli Barak MX air defense systems, and PULS MLRS.