GD contracted for Abrams tank upgrades

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich., Aug. 7 (UPI) -- General Dynamics Land Systems has been contracted by the U.S. Army to upgrade the M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks.

The $614 million contract is from the Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command Life Cycle Management Command. Under the deal, General Dynamics will upgrade 235 M1A1 tanks to the more digitally efficient M1A2 Systems Enhancement Package version two configuration.

The M1A2 SEP V2 upgrades on the Abrams tank will improve on displays and sights technology along with installing a tank-infantry phone, among other advancements to support the Army's Future Combat Systems.

Officials say the new award is part of a multiyear modernization initiative that includes "435 M1A1 tanks that have been in the Army's inventory for more than 20 years. An additional 180 tanks remain to be upgraded through the program, which will complete the conversion of all tanks in the Army's active component to the M1A2 SEP V2 configuration," the release said.