In 2020, the U.S. Army welcomed the first M1 Abrams battle tanks upgraded to the standard Abrams M1A2 SEPV3, a new version of the iconic U.S. battle tank designed to meet the new battlefield challenges of the 21st century while retaining its battle-worn experience and formidable capabilities.
The M1 Abrams tank earned its place in history thanks to its impressive performance in the Middle East campaigns, where it stood out for its excellent characteristics and performance. But above all, thanks to an overwhelming technological advantage. This iconic tank is evolving to be more effective in modern warfare.
The best US tank in modern warfare
M1A1 Abrams blaze targets during BALTOPS by Dengrier Baez. Public Domain.
Of course, the first model of the M1A1 Abrams was one of the best tanks of its time and excelled in conventional tank battles. It combined excellent protection with great mobility and firepower with a turret armed with a 120-millimeter 256 stabilized gun.
But today, that first version of the tank doesn’t offer support for all possible events that may occur on the battlefield. The once invulnerable battle tank has been confronted with new challenges on the battlefield of the 21st century. That’s why it needs a modernization process to keep dominating the battlefields of the world.
New updates to the M1 Abrams
M2 and M1A2 Loaded by Jorge Reyes Mariano. Public Domain.
The M1A2 SEPV3, the latest version of the Abrams is the most modern and advanced U.S. tank adopting the best sensors, armament, and protection based on lessons learned in the Middle East and various fields of operations over the past decades. In addition, it incorporates reinforced armor to deal with mines and improvised explosive devices.
M1A2 SEP V3 Specs
- M1A2 SEP v3: 73.6 short tons (66.8 t)
- Width: 12 feet
- Height: 8 feet
- Crew: 4 (commander/machine gunner, gunner, loader, driver)
- No. built: 10,288
- Unit cost: US$6.21
This tank not only adds additional armor but also incorporates active protection systems such as the Israeli-made Trophy system. The Trophy System was developed to protect tanks and armored vehicles from the threat posed by anti-tank missile systems and RPG rocket-propelled grenades. The system consists of four radars that provide 360-degree coverage, detecting any incoming projectile to fire a charge and eliminate it.
In addition, the US Army is currently planning to develop an improved Abrams to reduce the approximately 70-ton weight and increase the ability to deploy these vehicles around the world.
Top cost-effectiveness
Marines conduct M1A1 Abrams tank live-fire training by John Banfield. Public Domain
The M1 Abrams has been the backbone of the U.S. Army and Marine Corps, and it is considered by many experts to be the king of the battlefield. It has proven to be incredibly tough and powerful because of many decades of intelligent engineering that enabled the Abrams to engage the enemy in any weather and surface… And the investment for this invincible tank is $6.21 million.
The Abrams will support ground troops for a long time
M1A1 Gun by Sean Evans. Public Domain.
The Abrams is the most powerful and advanced US battle tank today. The M1A2V3 will bring many improvements. In the near future, this tank will be further upgraded with units capable of operating aerial and ground drones on the battlefield robotic vehicles capable of clearing anti-tank ditches and removing obstacles in general.
This will guarantee that the Abrams will continue dominating the battlefields for decades in the 21st century.
Featured image credit: 4-118th conducts M1A1 Abrams tank live-fire by Tim Andrews. Public Domain.
