Abrams M1A2 SEPv3 is a modernised configuration of the Abrams main battle tank (MBT) in service with the US Army.
The new version offers enhanced protection and survivability, as well as higher lethality than its predecessors.
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The tank also features various advancements in technology, including improved armour, communications, reliability, sustainment, and fuel efficiency.
The US Army announced its plans to develop the Abrams M1A2 System Enhancement Package version 4 (SEPv4), as an incremental upgrade to Abrams M1A2 SEPv3.
The upgrade was intended to improve lethality and survivability by integrating optics and fire control system technologies into the platform.
The test and evaluation master plan for the Abrams M1A2 SEPv4 was intended to be submitted to the Director, Operational Test and Evaluation in 2023.
In September 2023, the US Army scrapped the Abrams M1A2 SEPv4 programme and chose to develop the new Abrams M1E3 MBT modernisation programme.
The Abrams M1E3 is expected to have the capabilities needed to fight against threats in 2040 and beyond.
Design and features of Abrams M1A2 SEPv3
The M1A2 Abrams SEPv3 retains the layout of the M1A2 MBT with the driver’s cab at the forward centre hull, turret in the middle and power pack at the rear.
The tank integrates the line-replaceable module technology to enable easy maintenance of the fleet.
The tank integrates a joint tactical radio system handheld, man-pack, and small-form fit radio to ensure network readiness and interoperation with future brigade combat teams.
The MBT is 9.7m long, 3.7m wide. and 2.4m high. It is manned by a crew of four, including the driver, commander, loader, and gunner.
Armament
The main gun fitted on the MBT is an M256 120mm smoothbore cannon, which can fire M829A4 advanced kinetic energy and advanced multi-purpose (AMP) rounds to defend armoured vehicles, personnel and low-flying aircraft.
The tank features a low-profile common remotely operated weapon system (Crows) installed with a 12.7mm machine gun. A 7.62mm M240 machine gun is also mounted coaxially with the main gun.
Abrams tank observation and fire control
The tank is fitted with improved forward-looking infrared (IFLIR) to detect targets. The IFLIR employs long and mid-wave infrared technology to enhance target acquisition, identification, and engagement compared to the existing second-generation FLIR.
The Crows are equipped with an upgraded day camera that uses picture-in-picture technology to combine different FOVs. It offers a 340% larger scene in wide FOV.
The ammunition data link on board the tank ensures the programming of the M829A4 and AMP rounds.
Self-protection
The hull and turret integrate a new armour package for superior protection against threats from improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The tank can be hinged with reactive armour and slat armour.
The CREW Duke V3 counter remote-controlled IED electronic warfare system protects the crew from roadside bombs and IED attacks.
Either side of the turret is fitted with M250 six-barrelled smoke grenade dischargers. A smokescreen can also be laid by an engine-operated system.
In 2022, the Trophy active protection system (APS) was tested on the tank to ensure its continued fielding across the army.
General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) awarded a $280m indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity contract in July of the same year to supply Trophy ready kits in the form of APS for the M1A2 SEPv2 and M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams tanks.
The work is expected to extend until mid-2027.
The Trophy APS can detect, classify and engage threats such as recoilless rifles, antitank guided missiles, rockets and rocket-propelled grenades.
Its ability to rapidly detect threats and their launch location enables the tank crew to address and neutralise targets effectively.
Engine and mobility of Abrams M1A2 SEPv3 tank
The M1A2 SEPv3 is powered by a Honeywell AGT1500 gas turbine engine, which develops a power of 1,500hp.
The auxiliary power unit under the armour enables the tank to operate onboard systems with a reduced probability of detection during silent watch operations.
The generator allows for turret operation without power from the main engine when the vehicle is in a stationary position, resulting in improved fuel efficiency.
The tank is also equipped with advanced power generation and distribution systems such as an improved amperage alternator, a slip ring, enhanced hull power distribution unit/common remote switching modules, and a battery monitoring system.
The running gear includes seven road wheels with a drive sprocket at the rear, an idler at the front, and two return rollers on either side. The first, second, and seventh road wheel stations are fitted with rotary shock absorbers.
Abrams M1A2 SEPv3 orders and deliveries
The US Army TACOM Lifecycle Management Command placed an order worth $92.2m with GDLS to upgrade its M1A2 SEPv2 Abrams tanks to the M1A2 SEPv3 configuration in December 2015.
The first Abrams M1A2 SEPv3 initial production vehicle was delivered to the US Army in October 2017.
GDLS also received a $270m contract from the US Army Tank Automotive Command to manufacture 45 Abrams M1A2 SEPv3 tanks in October 2017.
The US Army placed an order with GDLS for the upgrade of 100 M1A1 MBTs to M1A2 SEPv3 in July 2018. GDLS received a $714m delivery order from the US Army to upgrade an additional 174 M1A1 MBTs to M1A2 SEPv3 standard in January 2019.
In December 2020, GDLS was awarded a $4.6bn fixed-price incentive contract to produce Abrams M1A2 SEPv3 MBTs for the US Army.
The first delivery order was valued at $406m. The delivery of all the tanks under the contract is expected to be completed in June 2028.
The government of Australia’s request to buy 75 Abrams M1A2 SEPv3 MBTs and associated vehicles through the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme was approved by the US State Department in April 2021.
The US Department of Defense approved the sale of 250 Abrams M1A2 SEPv3 tanks to Poland in February 2022. The US Army placed a $1.1bn FMS order with GDLS to deliver the tanks to Poland in August 2022.
In January 2023, the US government announced the supply of 31 M1A2 Abrams tanks along with eight M88 recovery vehicles to Ukraine.
The US government approved the sale of 54 Abrams M1A2 SEPv3 MBTs and related equipment to Romania for $2.53bn in November 2023.
In March 2024, the US government approved an order for 50 M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams MBTs and related equipment to Bahrain for $2.2bn.
