Kuwait receives first modernised Abrams after revised programme timeframe
Kuwait has received its first M1A2K main battle tank. (Photo: Kuwait Armed Forces)
The M1A2K upgrade programme includes some new features but it is significantly behind its original schedule.
The Kuwait Army on 29 July announced it has received its first upgraded M1A2 Abrams main battle tank (MBT), known as M1A2K, almost two years behind the initial schedule.
In announcing the development via social media, the army claimed the M1A2K would enter operational service ‘soon’ as ‘an addition to the combat efficiency of the Kuwaiti land forces’.
Kuwait plans to upgrade all 218 of its Abrams MBTs to the M1A2K configuration, but the programme timeframe seems to have been revised after encountering delays for undisclosed reasons.
The DoD announced in December 2017 that General Dynamics Land Systems was
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
![British Army's open plan draws diverse offerings for Land Rover replacement]()
British Army's open plan draws diverse offerings for Land Rover replacement
The UK Ministry of Defence has avoided being prescriptive in its search to replace the British Army’s Land Rover, meaning vehicle types being offered range from Land Rover Defender Wolf II and Humvee to the hybrid series Fering Pioneer. What does this mean for the procurement process?
-
![DVD 2026: British Army’s Ajax back in the hands of users as part of a gradual return]()
DVD 2026: British Army’s Ajax back in the hands of users as part of a gradual return
The introduction of Ajax vehicles into British Army service was stopped after operator health issues were reported during an exercise, but manufacturer General Dynamics Land Systems UK believes work over the past 10 months has dealt with the problems.
-
![Europe commits to long-range fires but countries move in different directions]()
Europe commits to long-range fires but countries move in different directions
Sweden, Croatia and France are pursuing different rocket artillery solutions as European armies seek greater reach, survivability and industrial resilience.
