The United States has delivered five M1A1 Abrams tank turrets to Cairo East Air Base on July 31, as part of its ongoing security support to Egypt. The turrets, manufactured in Ohio, were transported directly from the United States and handed over to the Egyptian Tank Plant for co-production with US-Egyptian collaboration.
Major General Charles Hooper, the U.S. Embassy Senior Defense Official in Cairo, stated, “The co-production of M1A1 tanks in Egypt provides the people and the Armed Forces of Egypt with a strong economic and security capability. The delivery of the turrets will allow over 2,000 Egyptian citizens to work at the production plant, as well as provide the Armed Forces with additional means to fight extremism in the region.”
This year, the United States has committed $1.3 billion to support Egypt's security and military efforts against terrorism. The recent delivery of tank turrets marks a continuation of a security partnership between the two nations that has lasted over three decades.
In August, an additional 14 M1A1 turrets are expected to be delivered to Egypt, with further deliveries planned as production advances. The United States also continues to offer follow-on support, maintenance, and training for Egyptian Land Forces.