Egypt intends to assemble the US tanks in its factory outside Cairo. So far, the Egyptian military has assembled more than 600 Abrams tanks under license from its manufacturer, General Dynamics, reported Middle East Newsline (MENL).
According to the news service, the latest request by Cairo is estimated to cost $590 million. Last week, the Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency informed Congress of the Egyptian request.
"This proposed sale will increase the quantity of the Abrams tank coproduction program, started in 1988, from the current level of 655 tanks to 755 tanks," the agency said in a statement.
"Egypt, which has already coproduced the M1A1 Abrams tanks, will have no difficulty absorbing the additional tanks."
Egypt’s alleged missile program has been criticized by the US, and lawmakers have threatened of a cut in US aid to Cairo – Albawaba.com
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