Just three months after arriving on Australia shores, the first of the newly acquired M1A2 system enhanced program v3 (SEP v3) main battle tanks have been rolled out to 3rd Brigade. The 2nd Cavalry Regiment received four out of the regiment’s assigned 14 tanks on November 14, with the rest to be delivered by the end of 2025. The new tanks are essential for the Army’s combined arms fighting system and will enable land forces to control key strategic positions. The government of Australia’s request to buy 75 Abrams M1A2 SEPv3 MBTs and associated vehicles through the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme was approved by the US State Department in April 2021. The tanks will be incorporated in field training early in the new year.
Officer Commanding C Squadron Major Trent Lam said,“The new tank had increased firepower protection and mobility when compared to the M1A1 Abrams main battle tank. It has the ability to employ its weapon systems to a greater degree and provides additional weapon systems that can now fire on the move. It’s sort of a new-car feeling; a new piece of equipment, which we can now use on exercise.’This enables both the commander and gunner to be looking in two separate locations. The tank’s capabilities made it a formidable asset on the battlefield, effectively combining fire power, protections and mobility.”
The M1A2 Abrams SEPv3 retains the layout of the M1A2 MBT with the driver’s cab at the forward centre hull, turret in the middle and power pack at the rear. The main gun fitted on the MBT is an M256 120mm smoothbore cannon, which can fire M829A4 advanced kinetic energy and advanced multi-purpose (AMP) rounds to defend armoured vehicles, personnel and low-flying aircraft. The ammunition data link on board the tank ensures the programming of the M829A4 and AMP rounds. The tank features a low-profile common remotely operated weapon system (Crows) installed with a 12.7mm machine gun. A 7.62mm M240 machine gun is also mounted coaxially with the main gun.
The tank also features a commander’s independent thermal viewer and improved situation awareness systems that provide the crew with enhanced visibility and threat detection. The tank is fitted with improved forward-looking infrared (IFLIR) to detect targets. The IFLIR employs long and mid-wave infrared technology to enhance target acquisition, identification, and engagement compared to the existing second-generation FLIR. The Crows are equipped with an upgraded day camera that uses picture-in-picture technology to combine different FOVs. It offers a 340% larger scene in wide FOV. It is also equipped with advanced fire control systems, including a digital ballistic computer, laser range finder and thermal imaging sights, allowing for effective targeting and engagement of enemy.
