Iraqi Army Begins M1A1 Tank Training

Multi-National Force - Iraq ^ | Lt. Col. Christopher Delarosa, USA

[chessplayer]

We have`nt even let Israel have the M1A1, but we`ll let the Arabs have them. Wonderful. How long will it be after the first delivery before Russia, China, Iran, and who knows who else will be building them?

[DJ Elliott]

We started exporting M1s to the Mid-east in the 90s.
Egypt, Saudi, and Kuwait have had them for a decade now.

The Chobham armor is not US origin.
It is UK built under license in the US.

In the Challenger too...

[DJ Elliott]

PS The 120mm gun on the M1 is German.

Israel builds thier own tanks.
They do not need ours.

[DJ Elliott]

PSS Did you know that the key item in the M1 Tank, the Chobham armor was offered to Iran in the 70s?

Deal for upgraded Chieftan (Shir 2) tanks equipped with Chobham armor was canx with the fall of the Shah in 1979.

This armor was compromised decades ago to anybody who wanted it. The reason most countries do not use it is because it is too expensive, not because of any claimed restrictions.

The M1A1 tank is British Armor, German main gun, and a US engine. All of those components have been available to those that can afford them since the 70s...