Egypt will deploy its M1A1 Abrams tanks in live fire and maneuvers during Bright Star, a biennial military exercise that enhances regional security by improving cooperation among participating nations.

The exercise began in 1980, with the most recent iteration in 2023. The partnership emphasizes shared priorities across air, ground, and cyber domains while strengthening the US–Egypt defense relationship.

Egypt currently operates an estimated 1,130 M1A1 Abrams, acquired beginning in 1992 and locally assembled in partnership with the United States.

By 2011, the co-production program had delivered approximately 1,130 Abrams.

Egypt remains the only country outside the United States with the capability to manufacture the platform.

Cairo is currently upgrading 555 tanks to M1A1 SA (Situational Awareness) standards, a sale approved by the US State Department in January.

The upgrades will bring older Abrams to like-new condition, keeping them combat-ready for years to come.

Upgrades and capabilities

The M1A1 SA includes mission-critical technologies that improve crew situational awareness.

Soldiers receive an electronic battlefield map showing the positions of friendly and enemy forces.

The SA variant includes armor components providing superior protection against kinetic threats compared to traditional steel.

Night vision upgrades include Driver Vision Enhancer kits, thermal imaging gunner sights, and M250 smoke grenade launchers.

These systems improve mobility and safety in poor visibility conditions.

The M1A1 SA uses a 1,500-horsepower gas turbine engine that can run on diesel or kerosene-based fuel.

About 70% of the engine components can be removed without disassembling the full power pack, which can be replaced in under an hour.

The engine provides reliability and durability in harsh environments, allowing the 72-ton tank to reach speeds up to 42 miles per hour (68 km/h).

Egypt deploys its M1A1 Abrams tanks in strategic locations across Africa and the Middle East, providing strong military presence in areas requiring enhanced security.