Poland has officially opened its ‘Regional Competency Centre,’ a dedicated facility for the Abrams family of main battle tanks (MBT) in Poznan, located in western Poland. This strategic hub will play a crucial role in maintaining and supporting Abrams tanks for users in central and eastern Europe. Situated conveniently, the facility is in close proximity to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. In January 2023, the US government approved the supply of 31 M1A2 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, highlighting the regional importance of the newly inaugurated center. Poznan is also home to the US Army’s ‘V-Corps,’ serving as a tactical headquarters overseeing all US forces on NATO’s eastern flank. Major General Maciej Jablonski, a Polish officer, currently leads this military unit.
The establishment of the Competency Centre stems from an agreement signed between Poland’s armament group, PGZ, and the US M1 Abrams manufacturer, General Dynamics Land Systems, in June of the previous year. The move was prompted by Poland’s order of 366 M1 Abrams tanks, with the first 14 modern units set for delivery to the Army in June 2023. Poland’s commitment to the Abrams tank is shared by other regional players, such as Romania, which placed an order for 54 M1A2 SEPv3 units in November 2023. The need for the Abrams tank to maintain its capabilities while reducing its logistical footprint. Simultaneously, the enduring SEPv3 variant will continue to be a vital component in the force structure.
Poland has bought 250 M1A2 SEP v3 tanks. Production is set to finish by 2024, and delivery in early 2025. After the donation of over 200 Polish T-72 tanks to Ukraine, an agreement between the Polish and American governments was signed to buy 116 ex-U.S. M1A1s. 7 loaned training tanks have already been delivered to Poland as of July 2022. The total purchase cost with support vehicles, crew training, and large supply of ammunition will cost PLN 23.3 billion (approximately $6 billion). They are to supplement 247 Leopard 2PL main battle tanks as well as older T-72 and PT-91 tanks. 28 M1A2 SEPv2 tanks were leased in July 2022 to train crews until deliveries begin. The first 14 of the 116 M1A1s ordered arrived on 28 June 2023. A further 26 were delievered in November 2023. 29 more delievered on 8 January 2024.
The M1 Abrams is a third-generation American main battle tank designed by Chrysler Defense (now General Dynamics Land Systems) and now one of the heaviest tanks in service at nearly 68 short tons (62 metric tons). The M1A2 production began in 1992 and initial operating capability achieved in 1993. The M1A2 SEPv3 (formerly M1A2C) has increased power generation and distribution, new Vehicle Health Management System (VHMS) and Line Replaceable Modules (LRMs) for improved maintenance, an Ammunition DataLink (ADL) to use airburst rounds, improved counter-IED armor package, Next Generation Armor Package (NGAP), and an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) under armor to run electronics while stationary instead of the engine, visually distinguishing the version by a small exhaust at the left rear. More passive ballistic protection added to the turret faces, along with new Explosive Reactive Armor mountings (Abrams Reactive Armor Tile (ARAT))[202] and Trophy Active Protection systems added to the turret sides.
