General Dynamics to support Egyptian M1A1 production

WASHINGTON, Feb. 5 (UPI) -- The U.S. Army has given General Dynamics Land Systems a $15.9 million contract with options for technical services supporting domestic Egyptian M1A1 production.

The foreign military sales contract supports the U.S.-Egypt co-production program, which began in 1988 through the U.S. Army.

The U.S. placed a hold on the tank's delivery to Egypt in 2013 in response to the country's coup. The Egyptian government announced both countries would resume the co-production arrangement on October 25, 2015.

The General Dynamics Land Systems-made M1A1 tank is a heavy main battle tank that entered service with the U.S. Army in 1980. The armored vehicle weights over 67 tons, and is armed with a 120mm XM256 Smooth Bore Cannon.

Upgrades to the tank include improved armor and agility, a laser rangefinder, a digital ballistic computer system and other features.

Work on the contract will be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich., and is expected to be complete by May 2019.