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Imundo t1_j60ekde wrote

Reply to comment by TROPtastic in Norway will send Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine. The goverment is planning a larger contribution that will span several years. by Noxzen

The depleted-uranium cannot be removed from existing inventory, the pledged M1 Abrams will be newly-built hulls and M1A2 spec, unlikely these will show up until 2024

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Who_DaFuc_Asked t1_j60iglz wrote

So we're basically building brand new Abrams for them with last gen hardware? That's kinda cool

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Imundo t1_j60kp3a wrote

Only the armor composition is less than US Army-spec, all the optics, fire control, comms and battlefield management are top-quality

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AllomancersAnonymous t1_j60m4g9 wrote

Surely there are surplus export versions without that armor.

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Imundo t1_j60od8x wrote

Surplus? no. Poland and Taiwan have placed large orders of Abrams and technically they’re ahead of Ukraine in the queue. Poland will likely allow Ukraine’s order to be processed ahead of their own because they are getting K2 tanks from South Korea

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paulusmagintie t1_j618jlx wrote

Does the USA have permission to even sell the Chobon armour? Its a British armour design.

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Imundo t1_j66ijw6 wrote

Chobham is the first generation of composite armour, dating back to the 60s, M1 Abrams variants and Leopard 2 use proprietary composite blends that are not covered by UK patents

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TROPtastic t1_j61jiwr wrote

It's not confirmed that the Abrams will be newly-built hulls, although that may be the easiest solution. We know that conversion is possible because the US government signed a contract with GDLS to remove and replace armor on US tanks for Poland.

As /u/AllomancersAnonymous alluded to, there are export variants in service with Egypt and Saudi Arabia, but it's unknown whether the US will be able to buy tanks back from them.

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