The US Army plans to keep the M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks in service for the foreseeable future, but such equipment will have to undergo repairs and upgrades. Work has already begun on updating armored vehicles in accordance with the modern project M1A2C (aka M1A2 SEP v.3), and in the future they will start assembling M1A2D tanks (SEP v.4). It is expected that due to all these measures, MBT "Abrams" will be able to remain in service for several decades, while maintaining high combat effectiveness.
With the letter "C"
The modernization project M1A2 SEP v.3 or M1A2C was developed several years ago. In 2017, the US Army made the first order for the serial production of such equipment, it was received by General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS). There are several contracts currently in existence and new ones may appear in the future.
At the moment, there are plans to modernize 435 tanks, and 325 vehicles have been contracted. Under the terms of the agreements, GLDS will repair and rebuild the obsolete M1A1 MBT, both from combat units and from storage. Armies will return modern M1A2Cs with new capabilities and extended service life.
The tanks will be operated by two GLDS plants and the state-owned Joint Systems Manufacturing Center (JSMC). The current contracts, awarded in 2017-19, provide for the necessary work to be carried out by the end of the 2021 fiscal year.
Decade plans
Last March, the Pentagon released its National Guard and Reserve Equipment Report for Fiscal Year 2020, describing the state of the military as of early FY19. and current plans for their development. Among other things, information was provided on the state and prospects of the tank fleet.
At that time, the ground forces and the National Guard had 15 armored brigades of the Armored Brigade Combat Team (AWST) type - 10 and 5, respectively. The army had 95 M1A1SA tanks and 783 newer M1A2 SEP v.2 tanks at its disposal. The National Guard had 275 older vehicles and only 160 SEP v.2. According to the state, each ABCT relies on 87 MBT.
For FY19 it was planned to form the 11th ABCT as part of the ground forces. This step expands the combat capabilities of the army, and also increases the requirements for the total number of armored vehicles.
For FY2020 planned the deployment and development of new MBT M1A2C in combat units. At the same time, a full-scale rearmament of the brigades is going to be launched in 2021. The process of replacing equipment will continue until 2031. For 11 brigades, 957 tanks will be needed. One ABCT will completely renew its armored fleet annually.
In accordance with existing agreements between the Pentagon and industry, obsolete M1A1 tanks from parts and from storage bases will go for modernization. The existing M1A2 SEP v.2 will change owners - they will have to serve in the National Guard. In 2023-26. from the army, they will be given five brigade sets of such equipment.
Further development
In 2018, the Pentagon launched work on a new technology modernization project. It was originally designated as M1A2 SEP v.4, now the index is M1A2D. So far, the plans for this project provide only for development work - design, construction and testing of prototypes.
Full-scale R&D started in 2019 and will continue until 2024. The prototype will be released for testing in 2021. Further plans for the M1A2D remain unknown. It is not known what equipment will be used for repair and modernization, when and in what quantities the work will be carried out. Probably, such plans will be formed later, after the completion of part of the design work.
It is easy to see that the new project will be completed during the period of active production of the equipment of the previous model. Thus, in the middle of this decade, the Pentagon will have to decide how exactly to dispose of the two existing projects. Perhaps, for the sake of starting the assembly of tanks of one model, they will sacrifice the production of another.
Current modernization
The M1A2C modernization project provides for a number of measures aimed at improving all the main technical and combat characteristics of the tank. The modernization envisages the installation of new components and replacement of part of the existing systems. During the modernization of the MBT of the M1A1 modification, it may be necessary to install components and assemblies previously implemented in the SEP and SEP v.2 projects.
The M1A2C MBT is distinguished by the frontal armor of the turret, reinforced with new overhead blocks. Installation of new types of dynamic and active protection is envisaged. Performance and survivability are improved with a new auxiliary power unit housed inside the armored hull. The vehicle is equipped with a Vehicle Health Management System self-diagnosis kit for easy maintenance.
The main armament of the tank remains the same, but related devices are being processed. The fire control system is being updated using modern thermal imaging devices. A programmer is installed for the use of ammunition with controlled detonation. A new remotely controlled weapon station is being mounted on the tower.
It has been repeatedly argued that after the modernization of the MBT, the M1A2C surpasses the existing American tanks in all basic parameters. It is more tenacious, has improved fighting qualities and is easier to operate. As a result, it is of great interest to the army and over the next few years will have to become the basis of an armored fleet.
Next project
The main goals of the new project M1A2D / SEP v.4 are known. This time the focus will be on the OMS and its components; will also improve weapons. It is possible to introduce new solutions aimed at increasing protection.
The optoelectronic devices of the commander and gunner will undergo cardinal processing. Sights based on modern thermal imaging systems will be used. It is planned to replace the meteorological sensors with more accurate ones. The gun will remain the same, but new shots will be added to its ammunition load. The modernization of smoke grenade launchers is planned.
Development of the M1A2D started not too long ago, and the customer can still change the requirements for the project. However, it is already clear that promising modernization will give tanks new opportunities and advantages even over the current M1A2C, not to mention older modifications.
A decade of modernization
The last of the created projects for the modernization of Abrams tanks, M1A2 SEP v.3 / M1A2C, has already reached the stage of assembling and transferring the first batches of equipment to the troops. Plans for this project have been drawn up by the end of this decade, and the industry has to work hard. In parallel with the restructuring of the M1A1 tanks into the M1A2C, the M1A2D project will be developed.
It is curious that the enterprises will work not only in the interests of the American army. Last year, Taiwan and the United States agreed to supply tanks of the M1A2T modification - a modified version of the M1A2C. Newly built tanks will differ in armor design and the presence / absence of some units. Otherwise, they must comply with draft "C" or SEP v.3.
Thus, the main tanks of the M1 Abrams family will take their place in the armed forces of the United States and some other countries for a long time, and their replacement is still a matter of the distant future. To ensure a long and efficient service, new repair and modernization projects are being created. One of them can be watched right now, and in a few years the next one will start.
