US Approves Potential $325M Sale of M1A2 Abrams Sustainment Support, Related Equipment to Kuwait

The Department of State has approved the Kuwaiti government’s $325 million Foreign Military Sale request to procure sustainment support and related equipment for the legacy M1A2 and new M1A2K Abrams main battle tank systems.

The proposed FMS includes repair parts, spare parts, replacement materials and other related elements of logistics and program support, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said Wednesday. General Dynamics Land Systems will be the principal contractor for the potential sale.

M1A2 and M1A2K Abrams

The M1A2 Abrams is a third-generation battle tank used by the United States and other countries. It is a significant upgrade from the M1A1 Abrams, incorporating advancements like the Intervehicular Information System for battlefield communication, improved armor protection and an enhanced fire control system with a panoramic commander’s sight. The M1A2 has been deployed in various conflicts and remains a key component of many national militaries.

GDLS developed the M1A2K for Kuwait, which ordered 217 units of such tanks, with deliveries completed by June 2022. The M1A2 Abrams variant maintains the same 120 mm M256 smoothbore gun as other M1A2 versions and incorporates mission system upgrades and a new armor package, along with a new Auxiliary Cooling and Power System.

According to DSCA, the delivery of M1A2 and M1A2K sustainment services and related equipment will enable Kuwait to maintain higher levels of operational readiness and meet its modernization and professionalization goals to deter or respond to current and future threats.

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