According to information published by the Kuwait Armed Armed Forces GHQ published on July 29 a picture of the M1A2K Abrams, a recapitalized variant of this MBT for Kuwait. Note the anti-sniper MG on the main barrel and CROWS on the turret front. Other changes include mission system upgrades and a new armor package.
On behalf of the Chief of the General Staff of the Army, a delegation from the Kuwaiti Land Force headed by the Assistant Commander of the Land Force, Brigadier General Abdullah Ali Al-Jaba’a, accompanied by a number of commanding officers, attended the official ceremony for the Kuwaiti army’s receipt of the first M1A2K tank in the U.S.
The M1A2K will gradually replace the current fleet of 218 M1A2 Abrams delivered between 1994–97, as planned in 2017.
Extensive improvements have been implemented to the latest M1A2C and D (formerly designated M1A2 System Enhancement Package version 3 or SEPv3 and M1A2 SEPv4, respectively) versions such as improved composite armor, better optics, digital systems and ammunition.
The Abrams was due to be replaced by the Future Combat Systems XM1202 but due to its cancellation, the U.S. military has opted to continue maintaining and operating the M1 series for the foreseeable future by upgrading with improved optics, armor and firepower.
