The Army’s M1 Abrams Tanks Explained in 1 Word

Key Points and Summary: The M1 Abrams tank, renowned for its overwhelming success in Operation Desert Storm and its adaptability in Iraq with the Tank Urban Survival Kit (TUSK), is facing new challenges in Ukraine.

-While historically praised for its superior firepower, armor, and crew survivability, the Abrams has struggled in the drone-centric warfare of the current conflict.

-Its large profile makes it an easy target for Russian FPV drones and anti-tank missiles, which attack its vulnerable top armor.

-Of the 31 M1s sent to Ukraine, a significant number have been damaged, destroyed, or captured, highlighting that even a top-tier tank is vulnerable without comprehensive air and artillery support.

The M1 Abrams Has a New Enemy: Father Time? 

The M1 Abrams is often described as one of the world’s best tanks, and for good reason.

The tank has had a long and glorious combat record. Throughout history, the Abrams has been praised for its high survivability, maneuverability, and incredible firepower.

The tanks ‘ superiority has never been questioned since its dramatic debut in Operation Desert Storm.

However, while the tank has performed well in the Middle East, Ukraine has not been so kind to the M1 Abrams.

Is Father Time catching up to this tank?

Desert Storm: The Abrams at Its Best

The M1 Abrams was named after General Creighton Abrams, a former Army Chief of Staff and commander in Vietnam. Its development was a response to the need for a tank that could outperform the increasingly sophisticated Soviet designs.

The original M1 model featured a 105mm gun, but it was soon upgraded to the M1A1 variant, which introduced a 120mm smoothbore cannon derived from the German Rheinmetall design. This gun, combined with advanced fire control systems and thermal imaging, gave the Abrams a significant edge in long-range engagements.

The tank’s first major test came during Operation Desert Storm in 1991. Facing off against Iraqi forces equipped with older Soviet tanks like the T-55, T-62, and T-72, the M1A1 Abrams demonstrated overwhelming superiority. It achieved a kill ratio of approximately 30 to 1, thanks to its superior range, accuracy, and armor.

The Abrams could engage enemy tanks at distances exceeding 2.5 miles, often before the enemy even knew it was being targeted.

The Abrams were further aided by night vision sights that allowed them to engage enemies in nighttime conditions, a capability that the Iraqi tanks lacked. Notably, not a single Abrams crew member was killed by enemy fire during the conflict, a testament to the tank’s survivability and design.

The M1 in Iraq and Afghanistan

In the years following Desert Storm, the Abrams continued to evolve. During the Iraq War beginning in 2003, the tank was deployed extensively in both conventional and urban warfare scenarios. While it was initially designed for open-field battles, the Abrams adapted well to the challenges of urban combat in cities like Baghdad and Fallujah.

However, the tank proved to be vulnerable to improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs). These challenges led to the development of the Tank Urban Survival Kit (TUSK), which added reactive armor, remote-controlled weapon stations, and improved situational awareness systems. These upgrades significantly enhanced the Abrams’ effectiveness in close-quarters combat and helped maintain its battlefield dominance.

The Abrams were also deployed to Afghanistan, although they were sent in much smaller numbers due to the mountainous terrain and the logistical burden of the tank.

Only 15 Abrams tanks were sent by the U.S. to Afghanistan to support operations in the Helmand and Kandahar provinces in late 2010. Despite smaller numbers, the tank still fared well, whatever it was.

The Abrams in Ukraine

The M1 Abrams performed well in every conflict it has participated in, but it had not gone up against a near-peer power since the Gulf War. However, in 2023, the U.S. under President Biden agreed to send 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine to fight against the Russians.

This conflict would be the first significant test of the Abrams against contemporary tanks and anti-tank weapons. Unfortunately, the Abrams’ performance in Ukraine has been mixed if not downright poor. Of the 32 M1s sent to Ukraine, 22 have been destroyed, damaged, or captured by the Russians.

The tank’s large profile makes it easy for Russian drones and anti-tank teams to spot it. ATGMs like the Kornet can easily penetrate the tank and make short work of it.

Like most other tanks fighting in Ukraine, the Abrams was not designed for the drone-centric warfare that has emerged in the conflict. The tank is extremely susceptible to FPV drones that can swarm the tank in large numbers and accurately pinpoint the tank’s weak points.

While the Ukrainians have tried to add on additional anti-drone nets and ERA, these measures are more of a band-aid fix than a comprehensive upgrade.

What Made the Abrams so Effective?

Despite its hiccup in Ukraine, the Abrams has been a valuable battlefield asset.

Its firepower is devastating, with the 120mm main gun capable of firing a variety of munitions, including APFSDS, and HEAT rounds. The tank’s fire control system integrates laser rangefinders, ballistic computers, and thermal sights, allowing it to engage targets in all weather and lighting conditions accurately.

Secondary armaments, including a .50 caliber machine gun and two 7.62mm machine guns, provide additional firepower for infantry suppression and defense against light vehicles.

Protection is another cornerstone of the Abrams’ design. Its armor is a sophisticated composite of ceramics and steel, with later variants incorporating depleted uranium for added strength. The tank is also equipped with nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) protection systems, ensuring crew safety in a wide range of threat environments. Ammunition is stored in blowout compartments, which vent explosions away from the crew compartment, further enhancing the tank’s survivability.

Mobility is provided by a 1,500-horsepower gas turbine engine, which allows the Abrams to reach speeds of up to 42 miles per hour on roads. The engine provides excellent acceleration and maneuverability, although it is notoriously fuel-hungry, requiring a robust logistical support system. The tank’s hydropneumatic suspension system enables it to traverse rough terrain with relative ease, maintaining stability and accuracy even while moving.

The M1 Abrams in 1 Word: Obsolete? 

Despite its many strengths, the Abrams’ combat record has also shown a number of vulnerabilities. Its gas turbine engine consumes large amounts of fuel, making it dependent on a steady supply chain.

Its weight, exceeding 70 tons, can limit its mobility in specific environments and complicate transportation. In urban settings, the tank remains vulnerable to RPGs and IEDs, although upgrades like TUSK have mitigated some of these risks.

As Ukraine has shown, the Abrams requires infantry, air, and artillery support to see the best results.

Without these, the tank is easy prey.

About the Author:

Isaac Seitz, a Defense Columnist, graduated from Patrick Henry College’s Strategic Intelligence and National Security program. He has also studied Russian at Middlebury Language Schools and has worked as an intelligence Analyst in the private sector.

More Fighters

China’s J-20 Stealth Fighter Looks Like a Powerhouse

China’s White Emperor Space Fighter Looks Fake

China’s Aircraft Carriers Have Arrived (Just Not Nuclear Carriers)