The U.S. State Department has approved two potential arms deals for Australia totaling $1.94 billion which are destined to provide the key Indo-Pacific ally with new Abram main battle tanks and more helicopters. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency agreed the first deal on Friday. It is valued at $1.685 billion and sees the United States selling 160 M1A1 tank structures to build M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams Main Battle Tanks, M1150 Assault Breacher Vehicles and other vehicles, according to the DSCA’s press release.
According to the DSCA, the heavy armed combat systems deal would enhance the “lethality, survivability, and interoperability of the Australian Army” and “strengthen its homeland defense and deter regional threats.”
UPI reports the principal contractors for the deal would be General Dynamics Land Systems, BAE Systems Leonardo DRS and Honeywell Aerospace....MORE
