Modernization of Abrams tanks in Morocco: why is it dragging on?

The delivery of other American Abrams battle tanks to the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) is delayed. This delay is explained by several factors.

What is the status of the contract signed in 2018 for the purchase of 162 Abrams tanks to be modernized, in addition to 10 other units intended for use as spare parts and for training? The acquisition must be finalized. According to Abdelhamid Harifi, a defense analyst, Morocco has reserved these tanks, but the acquisition process remains on hold due to several factors, including financial constraints and the Covid-19 pandemic, reports Media24. He said that the kingdom has not yet activated the modernization of these reserved tanks. It is also difficult for Morocco to explore other options to strengthen its tank fleet, such as purchasing T72-Ms to be modernized in the Czech Republic or Israeli Merkava Mk3s due to geopolitical complications, including the war in Ukraine, and tensions around Gaza, which have immobilized available resources, the expert added.