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.
You may also like
More from Land Warfare
-
![Hanwha debuts with US Army deal worth up to $3.6 billion as it eyes future M109 replacement]()
Hanwha debuts with US Army deal worth up to $3.6 billion as it eyes future M109 replacement
The Mobile Tactical Cannon is to replace the US Army’s M777 towed howitzers which could result in the procurement of almost 500 systems at an estimated $3.59 billion.
-
![US pours another $23 billion into Arsenal of Freedom to ramp up missile production]()
US pours another $23 billion into Arsenal of Freedom to ramp up missile production
The US Department of Defense (DoD) is spending billions of dollars to accelerate missile production to meet demands from the war against Iran and requirements in Ukraine. Manufacture of SM-3 and PAC-3 interceptors is being ramped up, alongside a $22.9 billion commitment to Tomahawk cruise missiles.
-
![Rheinmetall advances longer 155mm ordnance with 30% range increase]()
Rheinmetall advances longer 155mm ordnance with 30% range increase
Rheinmetall has begun initial firing trials of a new 155mm/60-calibre artillery ordnance that could deliver up to 30% greater range than its existing 155mm/52-calibre system, as production of the current gun expands across Germany and the UK.
-
![Trans-European iMUGS2 uncrewed systems programme set for three-day exercise in 2028]()
Trans-European iMUGS2 uncrewed systems programme set for three-day exercise in 2028
The next stage of the Integrated Modular Unmanned Ground System (iMUGS) programme, dubbed iMUGS2, was launched in November 2025. Three major demonstrations are planned before the end of 2028.
