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Poland Accepts First M1A2 Abrams Tanks From US

The US has supplied the first tranche of M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks to Poland as part of a 2022 foreign military sale.

Arriving in Gdynia, the package comprised 28 vehicles fitted with the latest System Enhanced Package 3 configuration to match the platforms’ armor, firepower, and mobility for modern warfare.

After the delivery, the tanks will be transported to a facility in Poznań for inspection before their distribution across the armed forces.

Warsaw’s Abrams deal with the Pentagon calls for the shipment of up to 250 platforms by 2026.

In 2023, Poland signed another contract to acquire 116 refurbished tanks in the older M1A1 variant from the US to complement the next-generation M1A2 systems.

M1A2 Abrams tank
M1A2 Abrams tank developed by General Dynamics. Photo: US Army

“This award is an example of the Army’s continuing work with our industry partners to increase production of critical military equipment capabilities to ensure we continue to meet the needs of our partners and allies,” US Army Acquisition Executive and Assistant Secretary Doug Bush commented during the Polish M1A2 contract signing in 2022.

Last year, the Polish government launched a maintenance hub to support Abrams tanks under service with the military, American forces, and other partners to be stationed in the region.

The Abrams System

Produced by General Dynamics, the Abrams was specifically conceptualized to improve ground-based interoperability between the US and its allies.

Since its debut in the 1980s, the tank has received several upgrades to sustain effectiveness against evolving threats.

Its latest iteration, the M1A2, measures 32 feet long (10 meters) and weighs 67 tons.

The vehicle is operated by a crew of four and is powered by a Honeywell AGT1500 turbine engine with 1,500 horsepower.

The M1A2 is fitted with a metal-ceramic composite armor, a 120-millimeter main gun, a .50-caliber heavy machine gun, and additional M240 machine guns.

The system has a top speed of over 40 miles (64 kilometers) per hour and a range of 260 miles (418 kilometers).

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