Morocco to receive Abrams tanks

By Ms. Michelle Miller (USASAC)September 4, 2015

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The Kingdom of Morocco will modernize its military fleet and receive M1A1 Abram tanks from the U.S. Army as part of a foreign military sales case coordinated by the Army Security Assistance Command. The case includes associated spare parts, equipment, logistical support and training.

The first 50 tanks will undergo refurbishment at the Joint Systems Manufacturing Center in Lima, Ohio following contract award to General Dynamics and Land Systems for $17.2 million. Additional repairs will be done at Anniston Army Depot in Alabama.

The refurbishment process will be accomplished through the Army's Excess Defense Articles program. EDA allows for our country's allies to receive materiel that the U.S. government no longer uses. Equipment designated under the program can save the U.S. money by eliminating potential storage or disposal costs of materiel and make room for other items to be stored as they are returned from theater. The EDA program provides the potential for the industrial base to support parts, refurbishment and sustainment of the vehicles.

In a news release, from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, Congress was notified in June 2012 of the Royal Moroccan Army's request for up to 200 M1A1 tanks, associated weapons, ammunition and equipment.

Related Links:

Defense Security Cooperation Agency

U.S. Army Security Assistance Command