Egypt approved for $4.7 billion upgrade of its Abrams main battle tanks
The upgrade to M1A1SA includes better sighting, vision system, engine and transmission. (Photo: US Army)
The approval is for the upgrade of 555 of Egypt’s M1A1 Abrams tanks into M1A1SA configuration.
The US State Department has approved a request from Egypt to upgrade 555 of its General Dynamics Land Systems M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks into M1A1SA configuration under a deal which could be worth as much as US$4.7 billion.
Notification of the Foreign Military Sale approval was sent to Congress by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency and the former will still need to approve the sale.
The deal is for 555 sets each of Night Vision Technology Solutions AN/VAS- 5B Driver Vision Enhancer (DVE-A) kits and thermal imaging system gunner's sights. The request also includes M250 smoke grenade launchers, AGT-1500 tank engines, X-1100 tank transmissions, spare parts, support equipment and government-furnished equipment.
Shephard Defence Insight noted that the Egyptian Army operates a vast number of MBTs, including 1,130 M1A1s assembled in fits and starts between 1984 and 2019, as well as substantial numbers of legacy Soviet T-54, T-55 and T-62s and US M60s.
The older MBTs in Egypt's inventory had been projected to reach the end of their useful service life in the 2020s but this upgrade extends the life of the first M1A1s which rolled out of the factory four decades ago and is a substantial boost in capability.
At a time of high demand for MBTs the life extension allows Egypt to look forward to the next generation of MBTs which may be available beyond 2030.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![DSEI 2025: Avon Protection provides first sight of new goggle and details on half mask]()
DSEI 2025: Avon Protection provides first sight of new goggle and details on half mask
Avon Protection has been growing and improving its integrated systems offerings. Last year the company released its Exoskin total protective suit system and earlier this year the MITR-M1 half mask.
-
![DSEI 2025: Elbit Systems set to field joint fires systems as it looks to large UK requirements]()
DSEI 2025: Elbit Systems set to field joint fires systems as it looks to large UK requirements
Elbit Systems UK was awarded the Dismounted Joint Fires Integrators (D-JFI) programme in January 2021, which will integrate with the UK’s army, marines and air force. The parent company has decades of heritage in the UK and is looking to compete for the Watchkeeper drone replacement.
-
![DSEI 2025: Milrem’s Havoc 8×8 robot to undergo live firing trials next year]()
DSEI 2025: Milrem’s Havoc 8×8 robot to undergo live firing trials next year
The Havoc uncrewed ground vehicle (UGV) was unveiled at IDEX 2025 in February. It is built around a hybrid electric powertrain which provides silent running over medium distances and silent watch for extended periods of time.
-
![DSEI 2025: As more possible CV90 orders loom, BAE Systems confident on production rates]()
DSEI 2025: As more possible CV90 orders loom, BAE Systems confident on production rates
The company is investing in increasing production while major subcontractors also push to keep up with demand, with Sweden’s recent Request for Information potentially adding another 500 to the order book.
