Elbit Systems announced on January 26 that it was awarded a contract valued at approximately $172 million to supply light tanks to the army of an undisclosed country in Asia-Pacific. The contract will be performed over a three-year period.
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Sabrah Light Tank ASCOD (Picture source: Elbit Systems/GDELS)
As the prime contractor, Elbit Systems will supply the “Sabrah” light tank solution based on the tracked ASCOD platform that is manufactured by General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) Santa Bárbara from Spain, and on the wheeled Pandur II 8X8 platform manufactured by Excalibur Army from the Czech Republic. The 30-ton “Sabrah” light-tank solution provides a unique combination of powerful fire capacity and high maneuverability. Both platforms will be equipped with a 105mm turret and a range of the company’s subsystems, including electro-optical sights, fire control systems, TORCH-X battle management systems, E-LynX software defined radio systems and life support systems.
Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis, Elbit Systems President & CEO, commented: “This light tank contract reflects the mutually beneficial strategic co-operation between Elbit Systems and GDELS, based on joint development and manufacturing of vehicle-turret solutions. Our comprehensive portfolio of subsystems provides us with a strong position in the armored vehicle market, especially as mission requirements become more diverse and increasingly networked. We believe that the “Sabrah” light tank solution can provide high operational value for additional Armed Forces.”
With its modular design and open system architecture, the ASCOD can be outfitted easily for multiple roles, including as a Light Tank (LT) or Medium Main Battle Tank (MMBT), and outfitted with large-caliber cannons up to 120mm. Three other nations - Austria, Spain, and the United Kingdom – have already selected the ASCOD as their preferred tracked armored vehicle platform. The vehicles for the fourth customer will be branded with the name Sabrah.
“We are delighted that the first customer outside of Europe selected our ASCOD as their future Light Tank platform,” said Dr. Thomas Kauffmann, Vice President of International Business & Services for GDELS. “It indicates a clear trend in the armored vehicle segment to medium weight (≤ MLC 50) and multi-role platforms, which provide modern armies with commonality, interoperability, flexibility, as well as advanced military mobility, while significantly reducing logistic complexity and cost of ownership.”
“With this contract, the number of ASCOD vehicles in service or under contract reach 1,000 units, proof of the innovation of the system and its capability to adapt to all customers' needs. The modular design and open architecture of ASCOD is a great example for this advanced approach,” Kauffmann said.
Pandur II (Picture source: Excalibur Army)
