12 July 2017

News Report: US Approves $101.4Mln Sale of Tank Practice Ammo to Australia

Australian Army M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank
The US State Department approved the possible sale of thousands of rounds of artillery practice munitions to Australia for $101.4 million, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said in a press release.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The tank ammunition will be provided from US Army inventories, the release noted.

"The Government of Australia has requested the possible sale of 6,030 rounds of M865 120mm Target Practice Cone Stabilized Discarding Sabot-Tracer Tank Projectiles and 8,610 rounds of M1002 120mm Target Practice Multipurpose Tracer Tank Projectiles, the DSCA explained on Tuesday. "[With the inclusion of] US government technical services, technical data, and other related elements of logistical and program support, the total estimated program cost is $101.4 million."

The Stabilized Discarding Sabot-Tracer Tank Projectile is an armor piercing munition, according to published reports.

Australia intends to use the tank ammunition [to] maintain training levels for its tank operators, the release added. Australia is a key non-NATO Ally and partner that contributes to peacekeeping and humanitarian operations.

This story first appeared on Sputnik & is reposted here with permission.