Quote:
Originally Posted by ArmySGT.
The M1 production lines are still open and running. Congress continues to appropriate money for new M1s. The U.S. Army doesn't want or need them and the new builds go into War Reserve (like Sierra Army Depot) or sales to allies like Australia. The reasoning for this, according to Congress, is that we cannot afford to lose those skill sets. Actual reason, those are hundreds and probably thousands of jobs in those congressional districts.
Congress buys tanks the Army doesn't want |
That article you linked states that Congress in 2014...
"recognizes the necessity of the Abrams tank to our national security and authorizes an additional $120 million for Abrams tank upgrades. This provision keeps the production lines open in Lima, Ohio, and ensures that our skilled, technical workers are protected."
It's now 2017 and this article states that $120 million was set aside for upgrades to the existing Abrams tank fleet that stands at about 9,000 units currently, but it keeps the production line at Lima open and Lima also does the rebuilds. The fact is that the US Army and Marines only need about 2,000 Abrams at the moment, and have another 7,000 is storage. BTW the Australians bought their 59 Abrams in 2007 and have bought none since, although there is talk about buying more.