Poland and Saudi Arabia to receive technical support for M1A2 Abrams
A US Army M1A2 Abrams MBT, pictured on deployment to Poland in 2017. (Photo: US Army/Staff Sgt Timothy Hughes)
The oldest and newest FMS customers for the M1A2 Abrams MBT will receive technical support from General Dynamics Land Systems.
General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) is providing ‘technical support’ of an undisclosed nature for two FMS operators of the Abrams M1A2 MBT.
The DoD announced in a 13 May contract notice that Poland and Saudi Arabia are the recipients, with GDLS expected to complete work on the $28.96 million US Army contract modification by 30 June 2023.
Saudi Arabia was the launch export customer for the M1A2. The Saudi army operates a total of 423 M1A2S tanks with an out-of-service date of 2038, according to Shephard Defence Insight. Photographs of a batch of M1A2S MBTs reportedly destined for Saudi Arabia were published in November 2021, suggesting that deliveries were still ongoing as of late 2021.
Poland is the latest M1A2 FMS customer. In July 2021, the Polish government and Ministry of National Defense announced that they had sent a letter of request to the US government to supply 250 M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams via the FMS process. In February 2022, the US State Department approved the $6 billion FMS package including supporting equipment, training and logistics.
Poland signed the contract in April 2022. The new MBTs will replace legacy T-72 and PT-91 MBTs still serving in Polish Army tank battalions.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![US and Europe continue moves to boost 155mm munitions production]()
US and Europe continue moves to boost 155mm munitions production
The new US facility for 155mm artillery projectiles is a reflection of a worldwide trend which has also seen Rheinmetall and BAE Systems working to improve capability in the same area.
-
![Dronebuster product line and production capability expanded]()
Dronebuster product line and production capability expanded
DZYNE Technologies, the maker of Dronebuster counter-uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS) devices, has announced plans to expand production and released details on a new version of the system. This follows the release of an all-in-one kit system earlier this year.
-
![Ireland plans for radar capability in 2026]()
Ireland plans for radar capability in 2026
The Irish Government has previously outlined ambitious plans, the furthest reach of these being the possible purchase of fighter aircraft to provide a capability the country’s defence force currently doesn’t have. A more advanced procurement effort for a primary radar is being fast tracked.
-
![US Army LTAMDS enters production phase]()
US Army LTAMDS enters production phase
LTAMDS was approved in multiple flight trials and assessments.
