Upgraded M60 tank to be unveiled today in Bahrain

Manama : New upgraded tanks will be unveiled at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Conference (BIDEC) which opens at Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre (BIECC) today.

This comes as military industries giant, Leonardo, announced yesterday that it will introduce the M60 tank, an upgraded version of the M60A3 tanks currently used by Bahrain Defence Force (BDF).

The proposed upgrade for the M60A3 integrates a new 120/45 mm main gun with a state-of-the-art Fire Control System (FCS), modern protection systems and an enhanced power system.

The Leonardo solution retains existing maintenance and logistics assets and requires minimal additional training for support. Leonardo fully owns and controls the core technologies involved, such as the FCS, the InfraRed cameras, the 120mm smooth-bore main gun and the technology which improves turret performance.

The BDF reportedly operates around 60 US-made M60A3 tanks, made in the 1970s vintage. According to a statement issued yesterday by Leonardo, the company has previous experience in Bahrain and implemented key projects, which saw the company supplying two primary surveillance radars and three Mode-S secondary surveillance radars for the Civil Aviation of the Transport and Telecommunications Ministry and the Royal Air Force of the BDF, enhancing the safety and efficiency of national airspace management, that’s in addition to being awarded a contract to upgrade six Royal Bahrain Naval Force ships back in 2015. Leonardo will be present in BIDEC at stand E2.