By Sana Elouazi
Rabat – Morocco Royal Armed Forces (FAR) have just received a third batch of American Abrams tanks, after two first batches delivered respectively in July 2016 and September 2017.
The new batch of American tanks of type “Abrams” which arrived at the port of Casablanca and received by the FAR are part of a purchase contract which have more plans spread over the year of 2018.
According to the American Defense Security and Cooperation Agency, negotiations between Morocco and the United States for the tanks began in 2012. Morocco planned to purchase 200 Abrams tanks, complete with parts, equipment, support, and training, for over $1 billion. The two nations finalized the deal in September 2015.
Morocco has purchased 220 Abrams tanks refurbished for the Kingdom through the Army’s Excess Defense Articles (EDA) program. The EDA sells military materials that the United States no longer uses to American allies. The tanks, which are a mix of the M1A1 and M1A2 model, are colored with camouflage designed specifically for Morocco.
This transaction reflects “the shared will of Morocco United States of America to deepen their defense cooperation.”
It also contributes to the strengthening and development of interoperability between the Royal Armed Forces and the United States Armed Forces.
The Abrams tank is the third-generation main battle tank and it is reportedly stated that it is a more developed version of the fighter craft that fits under the last plan, level of major equipment of the Royal Armed Forces.
