US OKs potential sale of Abrams Tank ammunition to Kuwait
The US State Department has approved the potential foreign military sale of M1A2K tank ammunition and other related equipment to the government of Kuwait.
Valued at $250 million, the sale would include Cartridge M80 Ball, Armor Piercing Incendiary, M903/M962 Saboted Light Armor Penetrator-Tracer, and Insensitive Munition High Explosive Tracer.
Kuwait also requested grenades, screening-smoke, munitions, test equipment, and integration support.
According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the proposed sale will allow the US to help improve the national security of an ally that has been “an important force” in the Middle East.
The sale would also bolster Kuwait’s ability to address evolving regional threats through continued deployment of Abrams main battle tanks and by supporting their modernization.
“This sale will provide an effective ability to deter and defend against land-based threats, enhancing Kuwait’s ability to protect border regions and key land-based infrastructure,” the DSCA stated.
General Dynamics will serve as the principal contractor of the potential sale.
M1A2 Abrams Tank
The M1A2 Abrams Main Battle Tank is a full-tracked, land combat vehicle capable of providing lethality and survivability needed to defeat advanced threats.
It carries .50 caliber and 7.62-millimeter machine guns that enable expeditionary warfighters to dominate their adversaries through lethal firepower.
Additionally, the tank is fitted with a 1,500-horsepower turbine engine and a special armor to provide added protection to soldiers.
Earlier this year, Kuwait received its first-ever M1A2K tank during a ceremony in the US.
“The entry of the new tank into operational service soon will represent an enhancement of capabilities and an addition to the combat efficiency of the Kuwaiti Land Force,” the Kuwait Army General Staff Headquarters stated.
