The Australian Army’s 3rd Brigade has received its first four M1A2 SEP v3 (System Enhanced Program Version 3) Abrams main battle tanks.
A total of 14 M1A2s have been assigned to the Queensland-based combined arms brigade’s 2nd Cavalry Regiment, with the rest to be delivered by the end of 2025.
Australia procured 75 M1A2s from the US in 2021 as a replacement for its aging fleet of 59 M1A1 AIMs (Abrams Integrated Management).
“The new tanks are essential for the Army’s combined arms fighting system and will enable land forces to control key strategic positions,” the Australian Department of Defence stated.
Upgraded Features
The 73.6-ton M1A2 SEPv3 features increased mobility, firepower, and protection compared to its predecessor.
It features a remotely controlled weapon station that allows the crew to operate a mounted weapon from inside the protection of the vehicle.
The mounts can support weapon systems, including .50 caliber and 7.62mm machine guns, as well as the MK19 40mm grenade launcher.
“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,” Officer Commanding C Squadron Major Trent Lam said.
Independent Thermal Viewer
Another important upgrade is a commander’s independent thermal viewer and improved situational awareness systems for enhanced visibility and threat detection.
The thermal viewer lets the commander and the gunner look at separate locations.
“If my main gun is facing 3 o’clock, I can scan in another direction and quickly bring the main gun on target without needing to direct the gunner,” Warrant Officer Class One Bernie Maus of the Land Systems Division earlier said at the 2024 Land Forces Expo in Melbourne.
“That’s a huge upgrade to the system.”
Additionally, the tank features a fully digital electrical system powered by a pair of computers for constant analysis and information processing.
It is also equipped with an ammunition data link that can program new ammunition for different effects, like point detonation, delay, and airburst.
