Royal Moroccan Army receives 127 M1A1SA “Special Armor” Abram Tanks

The Royal Moroccan Army has recently taken delivery of at least 127 M1A1 Abram Main Battle Tank from the United States. Morocco which placed an order for 200 units of the US tank on June 12, 2012 along with associating parts, equipment and logistical support and training.

The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) disclosed through a press release that the Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) Morocco ordered are part of surplus equipment from the US army stockpile, noting that under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contract, General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) will upgrade the M1A1 Abrams MBT to the M1A1SA “Special Armor” configuration prior to delivery.

Twenty-two units from the first batch of the M1A1SA was delivered to the Royal Moroccan Army in 2016, the tanks will contribute to the modernization of the Royal Moroccan Army main battle tank fleet. And will also enhance interoperability with the U.S and its allies.

The M1A1SA is an advanced version of the venerable M1 Abrams main battle tank, featuring a new and improved primary gunner sight, new second generation forward-looking infrared system and a blue-force tracking system for enhance battlefield effectiveness. The M1A1 is also fitted with an advanced Chobham armour and new 3rd generation depleted uranium armor components. which is said to make the M1A1SA particularly lethal against heavy armor forces.

Over the years, the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces has been steadily improving its combat capabilities, the country has been linked to several high-profile acquisitions like the S-400 Surface-to-Air missile complex, the Chinese Sky Dragon 50 Surface-to-Air missile system, Boeing AH-64 Apache attack helicopter and the Turkish TAI-129 ATAK scout and reconnaissance helicopter.