Egypt to Spend US$5 Billion (RM22.4 Billion) on Upgrading, Modernizing M1A1 Abrams Tanks

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — Egypt plans to upgrade half of its M1 Abrams main battle tank fleet through a modernization program valued at nearly US$5 billion (RM22.46 billion), involving 555 American-made main battle tanks.

The U.S. State Department approved the potential sale of refurbishment and modernization equipment for these tanks under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, worth approximately US$4.69 billion (RM21 billion), and has notified Congress of the potential agreement.

Egypt aims to upgrade and modernize 555 of its M1A1 Abrams tanks to the M1A1SA variant by acquiring 555 AN/VAS-5B Driver Vision Enhancer (DVE-A) kits, 555 Thermal Imaging System (TIS) Gunner’s Sights, M250 Smoke Grenade Launchers, AGT-1500 tank engines, X-1100 tank transmissions, spare parts, and support equipment.

The DVE device features a rugged and lightweight Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) that provides critical situational awareness during night operations, low-light conditions, and daylight.

“Egypt is the only country in the world, other than the United States, that produces the M1A1 Abrams. Egypt’s Upgrade Program will significantly contribute to the flow of M1A1 components and parts from the United States, creating economies of scale and reducing the overall unit cost of M1A1 parts for the Department of Defense and other U.S. security partners,” stated the U.S. Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).

“This program does not provide additional tanks, but upgrading Egypt’s tanks to a standardized modern configuration will reduce obsolescence and positively impact the logistics supply chain,” the DSCA added.

Egypt first acquired the M1A1 Abrams tanks in early 1992 through a partnership program with the United States.

This program was part of a technology transfer agreement that allowed Egypt to locally assemble and manufacture the tanks at its military-owned facility, known as Factory 200.

Through this program, Egypt successfully produced more than 1,000 M1A1 Abrams tanks, making it the only country besides the United States with the capability to manufacture these tanks.

The Egyptian Army’s M1A1 Abrams tanks are stationed at several strategic locations, particularly in areas requiring a strong military presence for defense and security control.

Currently, Egypt’s M1A1 Abrams tanks are deployed in the Northern and Central Sinai regions, which serve as key locations to counter militant threats and terrorist groups.

The presence of these armored assets is crucial for strengthening defenses along the Egypt-Israel border and monitoring activities in conflict-prone areas.

This deployment aligns with the Camp David Peace Accords, which limit the deployment of heavy weaponry in Sinai.

However, Egypt has been granted special permission for security operations and monitoring in high-risk areas.

Additionally, the deployment of M1A1 Abrams tanks in the Ismailia region and around the Suez Canal is a vital strategy to safeguard one of the world’s most critical trade routes.

The presence of these tanks aims to protect the canal from security threats, ensuring smooth trade operations and national economic stability.

Both deployments highlight Egypt’s strategic balance in addressing security and geopolitical demands in the region.

Some M1A1 units are also stationed near Cairo and Giza for national security and to protect key government facilities.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS OF THE M1A1 ABRAMS

Category:
Main Battle Tank (MBT)

Dimensions:

• Length (with cannon): 9.77 meters

• Length (without cannon): 7.93 meters

• Width: 3.66 meters

• Height: 2.44 meters

Weight:

• Combat weight: 61.3 metric tons

Engine Power:

• Type: Honeywell AGT1500 gas turbine engine

• Power: 1,500 horsepower (hp)

Performance:

• Maximum speed: 67 km/h (on road), 48 km/h (off-road)

• Operational range: 426 km

Primary Armament:

• M256 120 mm smoothbore cannon

Secondary Armament:

• Coaxial machine gun: M240 7.62 mm

• Commander’s machine gun: M2 Browning 12.7 mm (.50 cal)

• Smoke grenade launchers: M250

Armor:

• Composite armor with optional depleted uranium armor for enhanced protection

• Additional defense against anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM) and kinetic energy rounds

Fire Control System:

• Thermal Imaging System (TIS) for gunner

• AN/VAS-5B Driver Vision Enhancer (DVE) for night and adverse weather driving

• Stabilization system for accurate firing while moving

Crew:

• 4 personnel: Commander, Gunner, Loader, and Driver

Mobility:

• Transmission: X-1100-3B automatic with 4 forward and 2 reverse gears

• Suspension system: Torsion bar

Protection Systems:

• Self-defense: M250 smoke grenade launchers

• Automatic fire suppression system in crew and engine compartments

The M1A1 Abrams is renowned for its superior firepower, robust armor protection, and exceptional mobility, making it one of the most effective main battle tanks in the world.

— DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA