(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — One of Washington’s staunchest allies in the Middle East, Bahrain, is poised to deploy the most advanced variant of the Abrams main battle tank, the M1A2 SEPv3 (Systems Enhanced Package).
This follows the announcement by the United States Department of State of a potential sale of approximately 50 Abrams main battle tanks of this latest variant to Bahrain, estimated to be worth US$2.2 billion (RM9.9 billion).
In addition to the M1A2 SEPv3 main battle tanks, Bahrain will also acquire Armored Recovery Vehicles (ARV), bridging systems, and various other equipment.
The development of these tanks is carried out by General Dynamics.
Beyond being a robust supporter of United States interests in the Middle East, Bahrain hosts the US 5th Fleet and serves as a permanent staging point for American naval vessels.
Situated in the Persian Gulf, Bahrain is the only Gulf nation openly providing full support to US naval operations against Houthi militant groups in the Red Sea, known as “Operation Prosperity Guardian.”
“The proposed sale of M1A2 SEPv3 main battle tanks will further enhance Bahrain’s ability to address present and future threats by providing it with a credible force capable of confronting its adversaries,” stated the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency.
The Agency also expressed confidence in Bahrain’s ability to operate and integrate the new weaponry into its military.
At present, the M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams variant represents the pinnacle of main battle tanks technology in operation.
However, the US military initially aimed to upgrade to the SEPv4 variant but announced in September of this year that it had curtailed that upgrade program, opting instead to develop the next generation of Abrams tanks.
The latest variant of the Abrams main battle tank provides superior defense capabilities compared to its predecessors, as well as increased lethality and versatility.
It incorporates advanced technologies such as reinforced armor, communication systems, fuel efficiency, among others.
Furthermore, it is equipped with the M256 120mm smoothbore cannon capable of firing M829A4 advanced kinetic energy and advanced multi-purpose (AMP) rounds for enhanced protection, alongside 12.7mm and 7.62mm machine guns.
The M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams tank is powered by the Honeywell AGT1500 gas turbine engine, providing it with 1,500 horsepower.
Apart from the United States, other countries operating the latest variant of the Abrams main battle tank include Australia and Poland. — DSA