Frogman
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Hey at least it's a discussion and others contributing besides @The SC and myself!
Not knocking that but some of it does seem a bit pie in the sky. Especially talk of aircraft carriers. A lot of us are still sceptical whether the Mistrals will actually be supported in a manner that allows it to be a proper amphibious capability rather than a metallic show pony.
Yes the lack of transparency isn't helping us see what future procurements are but the plans we know about don't comfort me either. Also the actual amphibious component appears to be light and donated from the Army rather than a Marine force. As of right now it looks like it will be a mix and match fleet of ships that have no business being outside of littoral waters, helicopters from two different sources, and an amphibious force of regular mechanised infantry the majority of whom are conscripts.
Whilst we both know that the difference between a littoral water Navy and a sea faring one isn't the surface combat vessels but the ability to logistically resupply and replenish at sea. Something we only have to aging ships for in Hayaleb and Shalateen.
I want to be wrong and hopefully by 2025 we see something different but as it stands that's what it looks like.
As for the M1 it's still a fine tank. Comparing it to the Merkava IV is a bit unfair since they're for completely different things.
The APS on the Merkava can not stop a kinetic penetrator from a smoothbore. It also emits RFs when in action that is susceptible to location (and then fires) by any En with competent Electronic Support capabilities. Also not a good place to be around if you're infantry.
Its primary use is against current Israeli threat perceptions, which is militia with AT munitions. As such that particular type will provide a greater challenge for Egyptian anti tank teams rather than for MBTs.
The A1 in Egyptian service does need an upgrade, but be careful about what you want. A tank killer? or an urban prowler?
If you want the latter then pursue greater protection whether that be passive or active. Throw on some CROWS. You'll have something that stands up well to atgm threats but is both heavier (entire Egyptian deployment plan into Sinai depends on bridges) and more taxing to operate given the increase in sensors (therefore work load and situational awareness interference).
If you want a better tank killer then invest in new generation of existing sights on the tank, get the commanders sight, and invest in the new generation of ammunition including DU penetrators.
As for the aging Russian farming equipment, it's being replaced by new Russian farming equipment (T-90S/K).
M4 carbine (they also have stockpiles of M-16s)
That's a Canadian C8. The picture was taken in Hereford on the COS' visit to the UK.