Morocco Receives Advanced Abrams M1A2 SEPv3 Tanks, Boosting Military Capabilities

According to Military Africa, this delivery of the most advanced version of the Abrams tank was recently spotted, with the tanks being transported by train to the south of the country. This reception is part of a contract signed in October 2020 with General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS), the manufacturer of the Abrams, for the modernization of 162 tanks to the M1A2 SEPv3 standard for the Moroccan army.

Morocco’s choice of the Abrams tank, used primarily by the US army, shows the close military cooperation between Morocco and the United States. Morocco began using the Abrams tank in 2012, with an order for 200 M1A1 SA tanks, which underwent improvements before delivery.

In 2016, Morocco welcomed 127 M1A1 SA tanks, and the remaining 73 were modernized in 2018 to the M1A2M standard, integrating new technologies such as an independent thermal vision for the commander. The new M1A2 SEPv3 tanks have been designed to address the size, weight and power (SWaP) challenges encountered with previous versions. They feature innovations such as a new electronic architecture, simplified maintenance procedures and an improved auxiliary power unit.

The M1A2 SEPv3 is equipped with reinforced frontal armor and a data link for intelligent projectile firing, positioning it as the future main battle tank of the US army.