Morocco is set to receive an additional 172 Abrams tanks as part of a 2018 deal, according to the Excess Defense Articles (EDA) program administered by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).
The delivery of these tanks, which was initially delayed due to factors including the COVID-19 pandemic, is now expected to proceed.
These Abrams tanks will be upgraded to the modern M1A2 standard, bringing Morocco’s total number of Abrams tanks to 394. Morocco previously acquired 222 M1A1 Abrams tanks in a Special Armor (SA) configuration in 2012.
The M1A2 Abrams is widely considered one of the most advanced main battle tanks in the world. Designed by General Dynamics Land Systems, it is named after General Creighton Abrams.
Weighing in at 63 tons, the tank is equipped with a 120mm M256K smoothbore cannon and various machine guns. Its 1,500-horsepower turbine engine allows for a top speed of approximately 67 kilometers per hour on paved roads.
Morocco’s recent acquisition of these tanks is part of a broader military modernization effort. In the past year, the country has received a range of advanced weaponry from various sources, including the United States and Israel.
Notably, Morocco has taken delivery of the first batch of Israel’s Barak MX air defense system, a highly advanced system capable of intercepting missiles, drones, and aircraft at ranges of up to 150 kilometers.
Morocco has also obtained 500 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles from the US as part of the Excess Defense Articles program. These vehicles will enhance Morocco’s ability to transport troops and provide fire support.
The substantial increase in Morocco’s military capabilities is seen as a response to regional tensions, particularly with neighboring Algeria. It also reflects Morocco’s deepening ties with Israel, with whom it normalized relations in 2020.
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