Special to WorldTribune.com

WASHINGTON — Morocco has decided to build a U.S.-origin main battle
tank fleet.

The North African kingdom has requested 200 M1A1 MBTs from
the United States in a project estimated at more than $1 billion. Under
the request, Washington would provide surplus Abrams, overhaul the platforms
as well as supply training and logistical support.

“This package of M1A1 tank enhancements will contribute to the
modernization of Morocco’s tank fleet, enhancing its ability to meet current and future threats,” the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said. “These tanks will contribute to Morocco’s goal of updating its military capability while further enhancing interoperability with the U.S. and other allies.”

The Moroccan request, approved by the administration of President Barack Obama, was not expected to garner opposition by Congress. Officials said the administration has assured Morocco’s neighbor and rival, Algeria, that the MBT sale would not change the military balance in North Africa.

Officials said this would mark the first Moroccan procurement of U.S.
MBTs in 30 years. The last MBT purchase from Washington was in 1981 when Rabat ordered 250 M-60A1 and A3 tanks.

Since then, Morocco has examined a range of European platforms. In 2000,
the kingdom purchased 48 T-72 MBTs from Russia in what officials said marked
a warning by Rabat to acquire non-Western suppliers.

In a statement on June 18, DSCA said the Abrams would undergo a special
armor configuration. The Pentagon agency said the surplus MBTs were already
approved in April 2011, and since then discussions took place on weapons,
munitions and enhancements.

“The possible sale also includes 12,049,842 ammunition rounds —
including 1400 C785 Sabot, 1800 CA31 Heat, and 5400 AA38 Slap-T — 200 M250
smoke grenade launchers, support equipment, spare and repair parts,
personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical data,
communication support, U.S. government and contractor technical assistance,
and other related logistics support,” the agency said.

The prime contractor was identified as Abrams manufacturer General
Dynamics. Officials said the project would not include offsets and require
up to 77 U.S. logistics and training personnel for five years.

“This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national
security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a major
non-NATO ally that continues to be an important force for political
stability and economic progress in Africa,” the agency said.

  Defense Security Cooperation Agency, General Dynamics, M1A1 Abrams tanks, military balance in North Africa, special armor configuration, U.S. assures Algeria on $1 billion tank deal with Morocco