Could this be the best main battle tank ever? The M1A2 Abrams SEPv3 is an upgrade package that is second to none and will allow the Abrams platform to serve with distinction for the next few decades. The SEPv3 version is already popular internationally, as Poland and Australia have big plans for the updated beast. Australia is acquiring 75 M1A2 SEPv3 tanks. Poland is receiving its SEPv3 under a contract in which it ordered 250 of the advanced Abrams tanks in 2022.
Reflects the Reality of the Modern Battlefield
The SEPv3 has been updated to reflect the modern battlefield as it should be more survivable against drones and anti-tank missiles. These two types of weapons have sent many tanks to an early grave during the war in Ukraine and it has some wondering if the tank itself is obsolete. At least one Ukrainian unit has held the M1 Abrams out of most frontline combat and is using it for support purposes in rearward formations. The SEPv3 must change the battlefield equation if the tank is to remain relevant.
Some Aspects Haven’t Changed
Thus, the SEPv3 has much to prove. Crews of Abrams tanks will be familiar with the SEPv3 as the layout has not changed. The driver sits in the forward hull, the turret is in the middle, and the engine is to the rear. The communication system (Joint Tactical Radio System) is designed to be used by all elements of an armored brigade combat team, which means that dismounted infantry and those in the Bradley Fighting Vehicle will work closely with the SEPv3.
Increased Levels of Firepower
The Abrams SEPv3 is 32 feet long with its distinctive low profile and its crew of four: a driver, loader, gunner, and tank commander will have increased levels of fire power and situational awareness. The main gun is the M256 120mm smoothbore cannon. It can fire M829A4 advanced kinetic energy and advanced multi-purpose rounds launched through an ammunition data link. These are great when supporting infantry and missions with the Bradley Fighting Vehicle. The rounds can attack double reinforced concrete walls, light armor, bunkers, obstacles, and armor. There is a 12.7mm machine gun and a 7.62mm M240 co-axial machine gun.
This Will Have Improved Survivability
Better power generation is on board with an auxiliary power unit. The under body has improved survivability against mines and improvised explosive devices which litter the battlefield in Ukraine. The SEPv3 has explosive reactive armor and a Trophy Active Protection System for better survivability against incoming rounds and anti-tank missiles.
Top of the Line Sensors On Board
Also, since drones and anti-tank missiles are a mainstay in modern mechanized operations, the Abrams SEPv3 can fire from stand-off distances in which it can’t be seen by the enemy. There is a third generation Forward Looking Infrared targeting system. This is just what is needed as armored combat evolves.
The SEPv3 will be easily upgraded again in the next few years as its computers software and hardware elements can be improved upon efficiently. The SEPv3 will likely be able to conduct manned-unmanned teaming in the near future enabling the tank to be tethered to a drone. This is the best way to sniff out enemy soldiers who have anti-tank missiles. Through the SEPv3’s excellent communications systems the upgraded Abrams will be able to use unmanned vehicles in a kamikaze effect or to provide targeting, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance data.
Give the Old M1 Abrams Tank Models to Ukraine
Another great thing about the SEPv3 is that once it is in the inventory of U.S. allies such as Australia and Poland, those armies can take their older M1 Abrams tanks and send them to Ukraine. This will be happening soon.
The SEPv3 is an awesome upgrade. It is the most technologically advanced Abrams. There will be better maneuverability and increased electrical power, plus improved sensors and more lethal ammunition. It can stay toward the rear out of the range of anti-tank weapons and the upgraded armor increases its survivability against enemy tanks and armored personnel carriers. The SEPv3 could also result in older Abrams M1s going to the battlefield to help the Ukrainians. Thus, the tank is still relevant and not obsolete as the SEPv3 will be able to serve in the coming decades to great effect.
About the Author: Dr. Brent M. Eastwood
Brent M. Eastwood, PhD, is the author of Don’t Turn Your Back On the World: a Conservative Foreign Policy and Humans, Machines, and Data: Future Trends in Warfare, plus two other books. Brent was the founder and CEO of a tech firm that predicted world events using artificial intelligence. He served as a legislative fellow for U.S. Senator Tim Scott and advised the senator on defense and foreign policy issues. He has taught at American University, George Washington University, and George Mason University. Brent is a former U.S. Army Infantry officer. He can be followed on X @BMEastwood.
Jacksonian Libertarian
September 23, 2024 at 6:58 pm
Combat Power per Dollar
Neither trenches, mines, or armor are a defense against Drones.
The whole purpose of Tanks is the big gun to fight other tanks, but if the gun never gets used before the $12,000,000.00 tank gets destroyed by the $400.00 HEAT grenade-armed drone, where is the point? 30,000 times less expensive.
“Drones own the battlefield”
“Never send a man to a drone fight”
Modern warriors fight by remote control from undisclosed locations.
George
September 24, 2024 at 8:03 am
You must own stock. Why else would you advocate multi-million dollar weapon that will be easily found and wiped out by a $10,000 or less drone?
Geof
September 24, 2024 at 10:19 am
Blah, blah, blah drones. People are watching to much “war porn” videos. Drones are a tool, same as anything else. Effectiveness has been blunted by the use of jammers and other anti-drone devices. Measure…meet countermeasure.
Tanks have far more utility that just against other tanks. Mine clearing. Bunker busting. Cover for dismounts. Anti-infantry.
Lesson from Ukraine? Same lesson we’ve learned over and over again since tanks were first used on a battlefield in WW1…combined arms is key. Unsupported tanks are vulnerable to just about everything.
Doyle
September 24, 2024 at 10:18 pm
Amen to that, they act as if drones are invulnerable by watching a hapless Russian army get creamed by them. They also act as if the Trophy system did not exist… It’s a game of chess, action/counter action. Drones are in their infancy and their countermeasures will come forth. People have to have their bogeyman.
Andy
September 24, 2024 at 11:06 am
The last battleships were the best battleships too. Entirely irrelevant. Industry insider lobbying as journalism. Modern definition of wormtongue.
J Kirc
September 24, 2024 at 11:12 am
Still running off jet fuel, or did we get smart and switch over to diesel? And so allies(?) will send their old model to Ukraine, as targets, providing Ukraine holds out that long, not likely.
Doyle
September 24, 2024 at 10:15 pm
Maybe read up on the tank specs. The turbines can run on multiple fuels.
Dan
September 24, 2024 at 2:38 pm
Was this written by AI? These are mostly the traits of the version of the M1 Tank that was been serving in the Army for decades. The 120mm smooth bore gun was retrofited into even old M1s starting around the 1991 gulf war. The coaxial 7.62 and the commander’s .50 caliber (Americans don’t use metric for that weapon) machine guns are older than the M1 itself. One new(ish) feature is the commander’s .50 caliber is now a remote operated station (CROWS). But that has been on US tanks for more than 10 years.
There is nothing new, innovative, or particularly suited to the modern threat environment of this weapon. It is an upgrade for many nations to buy this, but upgrade that makes them ready for the modern threat environment? Not sure. I am sure it is still effective when used properly, but this is nothing earth shattering.
Doyle
September 24, 2024 at 10:23 pm
T-R-O-P-H-Y, look it up. Not a perfect system but still being developed to counter more threats like drones and others. They listed other new features which you mostly ignored too.
DAVID TENNIEN
September 24, 2024 at 4:13 pm
Even though its a Sep.3 version of this tank. It doesn’t get the secret armor package that US tanks get.
Doyle
September 24, 2024 at 10:25 pm
I believe all Sepv3 tanks are created equal. The M1 model that are used by Egypt, Ukraine and others are the export version and don’t have the upgraded armor systems.
david
September 25, 2024 at 3:24 am
Is this a joke? The tank is grossly overweight. Slapping expensive sensors on this lipstick on a pig.
All that heavy armor is not even in the right place now. This article is a sham