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Defence industry representatives have been given their first look at the Australian Army’s new M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams main battle tank.
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The new main battle tank, believed to be the first of a 27-tank batch sent to Australia, was exhibited front and centre with various ammunition at the entrance hall of the Land Forces 2024 expo held in Melbourne last week.
The modernised configuration of the Abrams main battle tank is expected to field a crew of four, 120mm smoothbore cannon and coaxially mounted 7.62mm machine gun as well as a 12.7mm machine gun (potentially housed in a low-profile common remotely operated weapon system), forward-looking infrared equipment and upgraded day camera.
In addition, the SEPv3 upgrade reportedly delivers additional electrical power from an auxiliary power unit, network upgrades, stronger armour for greater protection, an ammo data link to interface with advanced ammunition and reduced maintenance strain, according to manufacturer General Dynamics.
A US foreign military sale for 75 Abrams M1A2 SEPv3 tanks was approved by the US State Department in April 2021.
The new Abrams M1A2 SEPv3 main battle tanks are scheduled to be introduced into the School of Armour and 2nd Cavalry Regiment later this year, according to statements released by the Department of Defence earlier this year.
“I think the vast majority of our tank crews are keen to get their hands on the best tank on the planet; the M1A2 SEPv3 and as such will happily move to Townsville or Puckapunyal to keep doing what they love,” 2/14 LHR (QMI) Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Tim Hurley said.
“Centralising in Townsville will also give the tank fraternity some critical mass, which will afford them more depth in terms of experience, instructors, maintainers and commanders.”
