After the defeat of the 1st, 3rd, and 7th Armored Divisions in The Battle of Panama, it was realized that the standard A6 had some major shortcomings that attributed to its unsatisfactory first major conflict. A major contributor to losses was APS failure and lack of visibility for the Commander. The MkII modification adds a new technology: the Ares Active/Passive (Hard Kill/Soft Kill)Protection System, better known as the AAPS. New viewports and a new muzzle brake as well as bigger wheels to get over objects easier. Sideskirts have been lengthened and a new turret bustle was added. The gunner recieved a new viewer and the commander got a new hatch. The M223 was relocated and the coax .50 machine gun was replaced by a NATO .308 MG.