Morocco Bolsters Defense with Latest Variants of Abrams MBT Amid Escalating Tensions
Morocco media outlets reported on the possession of the latest variant of Abrams main battle tanks, the M1A2 SEPv3, by the country's armed forces upon detecting convoys transporting these tanks towards the southern region of the country.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — In the midst of escalating tensions with its neighbor Algeria and conflicts in the Sahel and Sahara regions, Morocco has recently received the latest variant of the Abrams main battle tank, the M1A2 SEPv3, to reinforce its ground forces.
Morocco has been utilizing earlier variants of the Abrams main battle tank in its army, and the recent acquisition of the latest American-made variant serves to further enhance its armored units.
The M1A2 SEPv3 is the most capable variant of the Abrams, equipped with new electronic systems, improved armor, and firepower.
Reports from Morocco’s media indicate the delivery of the latest Abrams main battle tanks, M1A2 SEPv3, to the country’s armed forces, especially as convoys transporting the tanks were observed heading southward.
The delivery of Abrams tanks to the southern region has drawn public attention due to the significant number of armored vehicles being transported to that part of the country.
This delivery is part of a contract signed between Morocco and the tank manufacturer, General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS), involving the acquisition of over 100 units of the latest Abrams main battle tank variants.
Additionally, there are reports suggesting that Morocco has also acquired 500 Bradley armored fighting vehicles from the United States for use in its military missions.
As of 2022, the Morocco Armed Forces possess a total of 656 main battle tanks, comprising 222 M1A1s, 220 M60 Pattons, 40 T-72s, and 54 Type-90 armored vehicles.
Furthermore, there are 200 M48 tanks and 60 T-72s held in reserve by the Morocco ground forces.
A few months ago, Morocco media reported that the North African country is expected to receive Merkava Mk3 main battle tanks from Israel after “donating” its T-72 tanks to Ukraine.
Israel has historically not exported its Merkava main battle tanks to foreign nations, and if exported to Morocco, it would mark the first instance of an African country possessing Israeli-made main battle tanks.
Recent reports indicate that the delivery of Merkava main battle tanks to Cyprus and Morocco is anticipated to replace 41 T-80U/UK tanks “donated” by Cyprus to Ukraine, as well as T-72B tanks “donated” by Morocco to Ukraine.
Despite Morocco’s denial of involvement in providing Russian-made tanks to Ukraine, there are claims suggesting that its armored vehicles have been transferred to Eastern European countries through third-party intermediaries.
Israel is said to have imposed stringent conditions on Cyprus and Morocco, expressing reluctance to see its Merkava main battle tanks provided, donated, re-exported, or sold to Ukraine. – DSA
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