The Australian Army has received its first M1A2 System Enhancement Package (SEP) v3 main battle tanks, with one tank, A27702, currently on display at the Land Forces 2024 exhibition in Melbourne. This tank, delivered just a few weeks ago, is assigned to B Squadron of the 3rd/4th Cavalry Regiment at the School of Armour. Located within the Puckapunyal Military Area, the School of Armour recently retired its M1A1 tanks in early September to prepare for the transition to M1A2 SEP v3 training courses. These courses will begin within weeks and aim to train crews and maintainers for the M1A2 SEP v3 across the Australian Army. Australian Defence Magazine reported that the 3rd Brigade, based in Townsville, which will operate Australia’s entire deployable tank capability, is expected to receive its first M1A2 SEP v3 tanks before the end of 2024. The initial tanks are anticipated to arrive in Townsville in late 2024 following some initial training and upgrades in Victoria. General Dynamics Land Systems Australia is expected to provide through-life support for a fleet of 75 M1A2 SEP v3 main battle tanks, along with 29 M1150 Assault Breacher Vehicles, 17 M1074 Joint Assault Bridges, and 19 M88A2 Armored Recovery Vehicles.
On April 29, 2021, the U.S. State Department approved a potential Foreign Military Sale to the Australian Government of Heavy Armored Combat Systems and related equipment, valued at an estimated $1.685 billion. The Australian Government requested to acquire 160 M1A1 tank structures/hulls from U.S. stock to produce the following: 75 M1A2 SEP v3 Abrams Main Battle Tanks, 29 M1150 Assault Breacher Vehicles, 18 M1074 Joint Assault Bridges, 6 M88A2 Hercules Combat Recovery Vehicles, and 122 AGT1500 gas turbine engines. The package also includes the development of a unique armor configuration, Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station Low Profile (CROWS-LP), Driver’s Vision Enhancer, mission equipment, special tools and test equipment, ground support equipment, and spare parts for the systems and engines. The Abrams M1A2 SEP v3 is a modernized version of the Abrams main battle tank (MBT) currently in service with the U.S. Army. This updated model offers improved protection, survivability, and higher lethality compared to its predecessors.
The M1A2 Abrams SEP v3 retains the classic layout of the M1A2 MBT, with the driver’s cabin at the front, the turret in the center, and the power pack at the rear. The tank is designed with line-replaceable module technology, enabling easier maintenance of the fleet. It also incorporates a joint tactical radio system for network readiness and interoperability with future brigade combat teams. The tank is 9.7 meters long, 3.7 meters wide, and 2.4 meters high, operated by a four-member crew consisting of the driver, commander, loader, and gunner. The primary weapon of the MBT is the M256 120mm smoothbore cannon, capable of firing M829A4 advanced kinetic energy rounds and advanced multi-purpose (AMP) rounds to engage armored vehicles, personnel, and low-flying aircraft. It also includes a low-profile CROWS (Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station) with a 12.7mm machine gun and a coaxially mounted 7.62mm M240 machine gun. The tank is equipped with an improved Forward-Looking Infrared (IFLIR) system to enhance target detection and engagement. The IFLIR utilizes both long and mid-wave infrared technology, offering significant improvements over the previous generation. The CROWS is also enhanced with an upgraded day camera that uses picture-in-picture technology, providing a 340% larger view in wide field of view (FOV). The onboard ammunition data link allows for the programming of the M829A4 and AMP rounds.
The M1A2 SEP v3 features an upgraded armor package designed to provide superior protection against threats such as improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The tank can be equipped with both reactive and slat armor for additional defense. It also includes the CREW Duke V3 counter-IED electronic warfare system to protect against roadside bombs and IED attacks. Each side of the turret is fitted with M250 six-barrel smoke grenade launchers, and a smoke screen can be deployed by an engine-operated system. In 2022, the Trophy Active Protection System (APS) was tested on the M1A2 SEP v3 to ensure its continued deployment across the Army. General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) received a $280 million contract in July 2022 to supply Trophy-ready kits for the M1A2 SEP v2 and SEP v3 tanks, with work expected to continue until mid-2027. The Trophy APS can detect, classify, and engage various threats such as recoilless rifles, anti-tank guided missiles, rockets, and rocket-propelled grenades, enhancing the tank’s defense capabilities. The M1A2 SEP v3 is powered by a Honeywell AGT1500 gas turbine engine, generating 1,500 horsepower. An auxiliary power unit located under the armor allows the tank to operate its onboard systems with a lower risk of detection during silent watch operations.
