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US Authorizes Egypt to Modernize its M1A1 Fleet With Upgraded Armor and Advanced Onboard Technologies.
The U.S. administration has approved a significant military transaction with Egypt aimed at modernizing the defense equipment of this strategic Middle Eastern country. Announced on Friday, December 20, 2024, this decision marks a key step in the cooperation between Washington and Cairo. The deal, valued at over $5 billion, includes the modernization of 555 M1A1 Abrams tanks in the Egyptian Army, as well as the acquisition of Hellfire missiles and precision-guided munitions.
Egypt maintains an active fleet of 1,130 M1A1 Abrams tanks (Picture source: US DoD)
According to the U.S. State Department, $4.69 billion will be allocated to upgrading the Abrams tanks to the M1A1 SA (Situation Awareness) configuration. This standard introduces advanced technologies such as the FBCB2 (Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below) command and control system and a thermal sight for the 12.7 mm machine gun. The upgrade also involves enhanced armor protection, including depleted uranium components, although these elements were omitted from Abrams tanks transferred to Ukraine in the autumn of 2023. Additionally, $630 million will be used to procure 2,183 Hellfire missiles, while $30 million will be spent on acquiring precision-guided munitions.
Egypt maintains an active fleet of 1,130 M1A1 Abrams tanks. This acquisition began in 1992, with the local assembly of these tanks carried out in partnership with the United States. Egypt remains the only country outside the United States authorized to produce M1A1 Abrams locally.
The M1A1 Abrams, a third-generation main battle tank, is designed for modern combat scenarios. Measuring approximately 9.77 meters in length (including the gun), 3.66 meters in width, and 2.44 meters in height, the tank weighs 63 tons. Powered by a 1,500-horsepower AGT-1500 gas turbine engine, it can achieve a maximum speed of 67 km/h on roads and has an operational range of approximately 426 kilometers.
The tank’s primary armament includes a 120 mm M256 smoothbore cannon capable of firing a range of munitions, including armor-piercing and explosive shells. This is complemented by a roof-mounted 12.7 mm M2 heavy machine gun for short-range air defense and two 7.62 mm M240 machine guns, one coaxially mounted and the other on the turret. The advanced composite armor, incorporating Chobham technology and depleted uranium layers, provides robust protection against ballistic threats and anti-tank projectiles.
The modernization effort will be carried out at the Egyptian Tank Plant in Cairo, a strategic facility that enhances Egypt's self-sufficiency in maintaining its armored fleet. This program is expected to generate cost efficiencies by facilitating the flow of spare parts from the United States, thereby reducing unit costs for the U.S. Department of Defense and other American security partners.
The project encompasses a variety of equipment, including night vision enhancement kits, thermal imaging systems for gunners, smoke grenade launchers, engines, and transmissions for the tanks. Technical and logistical support will be provided by U.S. representatives and contractors over a period of up to ten years. Semi-annual trips to Egypt will enable experts to oversee modernization work, deploy equipment, and train local personnel.
This transaction aligns with a broader strategy to strengthen the security of a major non-NATO ally playing a vital role in Middle Eastern stability. By upgrading its tank fleet, Egypt enhances its ability to address current and future threats while improving interoperability with U.S. and allied forces. The program, which does not add new vehicles to Egypt’s arsenal, focuses on standardizing its military equipment to reduce obsolescence and optimize logistical supply chains.
General Dynamics Land Systems, based in Sterling Heights, Michigan, is the primary contractor for this program. The deal includes spare parts, maintenance support, and a repair program. It is not expected to negatively impact U.S. defense readiness or alter the military balance in the region, although it significantly boosts Egypt’s defense capabilities.
This announcement underscores the continuity of strategic relations between the two nations, despite ongoing concerns about human rights issues in Egypt. It reflects the United States' interest in maintaining a strong partner in a region facing complex security challenges. In summary, this sale contributes to modernizing Egypt’s military capabilities while supporting U.S. national security objectives and reinforcing bilateral cooperation.