What next for Abrams?

The United States is pressing ahead with work on a new version of the Abrams main battle tank. The programme is currently in the technology evaluation stage, but the Pentagon hopes to accelerate its pace.

From time to time, various commentators predict the imminent demise of the tank on the modern battlefield. The ongoing war in Ukraine, with its extensive use of first-person view (FPV)-class drones, has strengthened the voices of those sceptical regarding the relevance of heavy armour. Yet many countries continue to invest in the modernisation of armoured forces, which themselves are undergoing significant evolution. The M1 Abrams main battle tank (MBT) family is no exception, with ongoing upgrades aimed at adapting it to an increasingly demanding combat environment.

At present, the US operates three variants of the Abrams: the M1A1SA (Situational Awareness), the M1A2 SEPv2 (System Enhancement Package version 2), and the M1A2 SEPv3. As part of its modernisation programme, the US military is retiring the M1A1SA variant, rebuilding and upgrading these tanks to the M1A2 SEPv3 standard. The US Army currently fields 11 Armored Brigade Combat Teams (ABCTs), while the Army National Guard has an additional five. Each ABCT is equipped with 87 M1 tanks. It is worth recalling that since 2020, the US Marine Corps has had no tanks at all. This decision, known as Force Design 2030, focused the Marines on lighter, more mobile, and expeditionary capabilities.

The SEPv3 variant was officially adopted by the US Army in October 2017 as the successor to the SEPv2 model, which had been in production since 2005. It is manufactured at the Joint Systems Manufacturing Center (JSMC) in Lima, Ohio, and at the Anniston Army Depot in Anniston, Alabama. Compared to its predecessor, the SEPv3 features a new tactical communications suite, an upgraded IFLIR thermal imaging system for improved target acquisition, and a redesigned power management system (Enhanced Hull Power Distribution Unit) that reduces energy consumption and supports integration with advanced systems such as the Rafael Trophy Heavy Vehicle (HV) hard-kill active protection system (APS). The tank has also gained enhanced network compatibility, allowing better integration of onboard electronics, as well as the ability to remotely shut down specific modules.

According to the manufacturer, the M1A2 SEPv3’s fully isolated ammunition compartments improve survivability in case they are penetrated. Its protection against improvised explosive devices has been enhanced through reinforced flooring with lightweight armour plates, redesigned crew seating, and other structural modifications, including an energy-absorbing support under the turret basket. Crew safety is further increased by the AN/VLQ-12(V)3 CREW Duke electronic countermeasure system, designed to disrupt the signal between an IED operator and a remotely detonated explosive. This system was first introduced with the SEPv3 variant.

M1E3

While the US military recognises the need for further improvements to the Abrams, it has concluded that the current design has reached the limits of its potential. Additional modifications are no longer technically feasible, primarily due to excessive weight. The M1A2 SEPv3 now tips the scales at 66.7 tonnes (depending on configuration and extra protection or equipment), compared to 54 tonnes for the original M1 and 64.6 tonnes for the M1A2 SEPv2.

Several options were considered, including upgrading existing tanks to the SEPv4 standard. However, the US decided on a riskier but potentially more rewarding path: developing an entirely new variant. In September 2023, the US Army terminated the M1A2 SEPv4 development programme and announced that it would instead pursue the M1E3. The ‘E’ stands for ‘Engineering’, signalling relatively deep structural changes. It is likely that the final production version will enter service as the M1A3. The main priorities for the programme are improved mobility and enhanced crew protection. The project will incorporate selected features from the M1A2 SEPv4 (Abrams System Enhancement Package version 4) and conform to the latest modular open-systems architecture (MOSA) standards.

The M1E3 concept emerged largely as a result of the dead end encountered with the SEPv4 programme, which, under earlier plans, was supposed to enter service with the US Army starting in 2025. In spring 2024, the US Army awarded General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) a contract to define requirements and produce the preliminary design for the M1E3. GDLS is a natural choice to lead the work, not only as the longstanding manufacturer of the Abrams, but also as the company behind the Abrams X concept. Unveiled in 2022, Abrams X introduced an unmanned turret, a reduced crew of three instead of four, a hybrid diesel-electric powertrain, a new XM360 120 mm gun with an autoloader, and a Kongsberg Protector RS6 remote weapon station armed with an XM914 30 mm automatic cannon.

If the M1E3 draws heavily on the Abrams X design, its weight could be reduced to around 59 tonnes, close to the target mass sought by the US Army. The tank may feature lighter tracks, possibly composite rubber, and an in-arm hydropneumatic suspension, which uses high-pressure nitrogen gas and an integral oil damper that are all contained within the road arm. This reduces weight and space. The current Honeywell AGT1500 gas turbine is expected to be replaced by a hybrid power unit, potentially halving fuel consumption. Such efficiency would ease the logistical burden and allow for a smaller hull volume due to reduced fuel tank capacity. Lower weight would also make it easier to cross bridges and deploy rapidly across multiple theatres of operation, an important consideration in a potential war or even a limited conflict with China or Russia.

 

Another major objective is improved crew protection. While specific details have not been disclosed, US officials have acknowledged that they are drawing lessons from the ongoing war in Ukraine. The new armour is expected to offer better protection against armour-piercing fin-stabilised discarding sabot (APFSDS) rounds and top-attack munitions. The tank is expected to be fully integrated with an active protection system. The current SEPv3 variant is equipped with the Trophy APS which improved survivability but also added to the vehicle’s weight.

The current direction of travel suggests the new Abrams will most likely get a new main gun, paired with a remote weapon station. The gun will be mounted in a redesigned, lighter-weight turret. Designers are considering both an unmanned turret configuration and an optionally manned turret with a crew of three. The tank is also expected to feature an autoloader and upgraded power systems. It is believed that the Compact Autoloader was tested in the Abrams X technology demonstrator’s turret. This autoloader was originally designed in the 1990s by Western Design Howden (now Parker Meggitt Defense) for the M1A1 and M1A2, but it was never implemented in any operational Abrams variant.

The new Abrams will be equipped with state-of-the-art digital systems and will be built on a modular architecture. Much like Abrams X, it will likely feature various sensors and cameras following a ‘see-through armour’ concept, allowing the crew to see beyond the tank’s hull through screens or augmented reality goggles. The M1E3 is also planned to employ certain artificial intelligence systems and to operate in conjunction with unmanned systems under the manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) concept. These could include both ground vehicles and aerial platforms, such as reconnaissance drones or loitering munitions.

Based on lessons from the war in Ukraine, the new Abrams is expected to be better equipped to counter drones. In addition to improved survivability provided by more deeply integrated electronic warfare and active protection systems, the crew is expected to have the ability to engage small drones, potentially using the remotely controlled weapon station. In this context, it is notable that in July 2025 the US Army issued new instructions for crews on engaging hostile drones with their main 120 mm gun and M1028 canister rounds, which disperse fragments over a wide area.

The M1E3 programme aims to provide the US Army with relevant armoured capabilities well into the 2040s. It was projected to achieve initial operational capability in the early 2030s. However, Pentagon leadership is aiming to shorten this timeline. In an interview with Defense News published in April 2025, the Army’s Chief Technology Officer, Dr Alex Miller, stated that the military intends to field the first upgraded tank within 24 to 30 months. The contract will be awarded to General Dynamics Land Systems, which will handle parts procurement and systems integration.

 

The M1E3 is intended to enter service alongside the XM30, the Army’s future infantry fighting vehicle. However, this remains a preliminary assumption, as the XM30 programme is still in its early stages. The US has yet to select a design to replace the aging M2 Bradley. The competition is currently between American Rheinmetall Vehicles and General Dynamics Land Systems. The XM30 is considered one of the US Army’s top modernisation priorities, forming part of a broader effort not only to modernise the force but also to unify the equipment used by armoured and mechanised elements of the ABCTs.

Ongoing production

As mentioned earlier, General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS), the manufacturer of the M1 Abrams family, is not short of work. The M1A2 SEPv3 is planned to be produced at a reduced rate until manufacturing transitions to the M1E3. In the meantime, key technologies from the cancelled M1A2 SEPv4 programme are set to be incorporated into the SEPv3 platform. These include advanced meteorological diagnostics, a laser warning receiver (LWR), an improved cooling system for electronic components, and upgraded counter-mine equipment. In 2020, GDLS received a EUR 3.9 billion contract for SEPv3 upgrades, with completion scheduled for June 2028.

One of the US Army’s ongoing priorities is the modernisation of existing systems and the enhancement of their survivability under the Vehicle Protection Systems (VPS) programme, which is still under development. The GM1911 VPS Base Kit, featuring laser warning receivers (LWR), is designed to give ground combat systems early warning of enemy threats detected via laser sensors. The GM1912 VPS Signature Management coating will be applied to more than 380 vehicles – including, most likely, tanks – to reduce the probability of thermal detection. A third component, the GM1914 VPS Top Attack Protection kit, consists of passive armour designed to defend against overhead threats by reinforcing vehicle compartments and hatches. The Army plans to purchase enough kits to equip four ABCTs – 1,528 sets in Fiscal Year 2026 (1 October 2025–30 September 2026).

At present, GDLS is delivering new SEPv3 tanks as well as upgraded older variants for export. The largest customer remains the US Army, which, according to estimates by Damian Ratka of Defence24, has ordered around 690 M1A2 SEPv3s, with more under contract. In FY2024, the Army ordered 100 SEPv3s; in FY2025 and FY2026, it will receive 30 new tanks in each fiscal year.

 

Internationally, the 2022 Heavy Armoured Capability System (HACS) programme saw Australia purchase 75 M1A2 SEPv3s to replace its M1A1 AIM (Abrams Integrated Management) tanks, later known as the Situational Awareness (SA) variant, which had themselves replaced the obsolete Leopard AS1 (1A4) in the early 2000s. By July 2025, Canberra had confirmed delivery of most of the 49 M1A1 tanks it had pledged to transfer to Ukraine. Bahrain, currently operating M60A3s, has formally expressed interest in acquiring 50 M1A2 SEPv3 tanks. The deal, which has already been approved, is worth EUR 1.8 billion.

Romania placed an order in 2023 for 54 M1A2 SEPv3s valued at EUR 2.2 billion to replace some of its outdated tanks, primarily the TR-85M1 Bizonul (Bison), a heavily modernised derivative of the Soviet-era T-55. The United States also extended a EUR 787 million loan to Romania under the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) programme, part of which will support cooperation in Abrams ammunition production. Taiwan (Republic of China), with its ageing M60A, M48 tanks and their derivates, is becoming a new Abrams operator, having ordered 108 M1A2T tanks, 14 M88A2 Hercules armoured recovery vehicles, a full logistics and training package, ammunition, spare parts, and support vehicles such as M1070A1 heavy equipment transporters and M1000 low-bed trailers. M1A2T is based on the M1A2SEPv2 variant, but with additional features. The deal is worth approximately EUR 1.7 billion.

Egypt is planning to upgrade at least 555 of its 1,130 M1A1 tanks to the M1A1 SA standard. In December 2024, the US State Department approved a EUR 4 billion modernisation package that includes AN/VAS-5B DVE-A thermal driver’s viewers, thermal imaging systems for gunners, M250 smoke grenade launchers, and AGT-1500 gas turbines. Kuwait is pursuing a similar approach for its fleet, having in 2025 requested sustainment support for both M1A2 and M1A2K tanks. Kuwait had purchased 218 M1A2s in the 1990s, followed by 218 M1A2K tanks ordered in 2017, with the first delivered in 2021.

Poland is currently undertaking one of the largest Abrams acquisitions. In April 2022, it ordered 250 M1A2 SEPv3s, with deliveries scheduled for 2025-2026. In January 2023, Warsaw also purchased 116 used M1A1 FEP tanks for EUR 1.2 billion. Those vehicles previously retired by the US Marine Corps. Before delivery to Poland, all underwent a comprehensive overhaul that effectively reset their service life. Deliveries were completed in 2023–2024.

The Abrams story is far from over. While the M1A2 SEPv3 stands as the most advanced operational variant to date, the forthcoming M1E3 is set to push the platform’s capabilities even further, adapting it to the complex and technology-driven battlefields of the 21st century. Sustained foreign demand underscores its enduring global relevance, while continuous upgrades and design innovations ensure it remains at the forefront of armoured warfare. With impressive adaptability and a proven combat record, the Abrams is poised to remain a relevant asset on battlefields worldwide for decades to come.

 

Dr Robert Czulda

Author: Dr Robert Czulda specialises in International Affairs and Polish Defence matters and is based in Poland at the prestigious University of Łodz.