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M1 Abrams SEPv3, Explained: The M1A2 SEPv3, also known as the M1 Abrams SEPv3,  the latest upgrade of General Dynamics’ Abrams tank, enhances survivability, firepower, and efficiency, solidifying its position as the world’s best tank.

-Adapted to counter modern threats like drones and anti-tank missiles, it features the Trophy Active Protection System and advanced armor.

-Its M256 120mm smoothbore cannon uses cutting-edge rounds to defeat reactive armor.

-Powered by a 1,500hp Honeywell gas turbine engine and equipped with an auxiliary generator for stealth, the SEPv3 ensures the Abrams remains a key asset in U.S. and allied arsenals, with a projected service lifespan into the 2040s.

General Dynamics Land System’s M1A2 SEPv3 Best Tank In the World

Having a front-row seat to all the videos coming out of Ukraine, many assume that the era of the tank is over. 

That is not true. While the tank losses in the war in Ukraine have been massive, especially on the Russian side, improved designs and tactics mean that the tank’s role and importance continue to evolve. 

The US and our allies know that tanks aren’t obsolete; only the current ones are. Meanwhile, the US has taken the best tank in the world and made it even better. But too many experts have looked at Ukraine, misconstrued the results, and reached the wrong conclusions.  

The Russian invasion was a massive miscalculation of the Ukrainian resolve to resist and the failure of the Russian military to tactically and strategically plan using a Combined Arms Team. Russia has lost between 3,000 to 8,000 tanks since the start of the war. 

Ukraine claims that they have destroyed 9,162 tanks and 18,470 armored personnel vehicles.  Russian armor losses have been severe enough that they’ve dusted off old, antiquated T-54 and T-62 tanks and refurbished them for combat in Ukraine.

The attack was conducted with no surprise and an extreme lack of infantry to provide cover for the armor; the attack was poorly timed during a thaw in the winter, making cross-country travel impossible. This negated the huge numerical advantage of Russian tanks and armored vehicles. There were long columns of tanks, armored vehicles, and trucks strung out on roads.

The lack of infantry made the tanks sitting ducks for Ukrainian anti-tank weapons and artillery. 

Oregon Army National Guard M1A2 Abrams battle tank with Alpha Troop, 3rd Squadron, 116th Cavalry Regiment, engages a target at a firing range during annual training at the Orchard Combat Tranining Center near Boise, ID, June 19, 2021. Soldiers trained in their military occupational specialties during annual training. (National Guard photo by Spc. Dominic Trujillo, 115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)

Drones have spotted for  the artillery and carried out missile attacks. Russia used the same tactics.

So, why invest in multi-million dollar tanks when cheap anti-tank weapons and drones are readily available? You can improve the best tank in the world and use superior tactics to utilize armor still in the modern world. 

Cue the M1A2 SEPv3:

General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) has significantly upgraded the M1A2 Abrams, an outstanding tank. The SEP stands for the System Enhancement Program. The newest iteration of the Abrams is already a popular model with our allies, as both Australia and Poland have ordered more tanks to beef up their armored forces. Ukraine is clamoring for more tanks. 

M1 Abrams SEPv3 – Improvements In Survivability Against Drones and Missiles

The M1A2 SEPv3 has adapted to consider the threat of Anti-tank missiles and drones. The SEPv3 version of the M1 Abrams tank has better explosive reactive armor, and the Israeli-built Trophy Active Protection System protects NATO tanks in a 360-degree perimeter against the threat of anti-tank missiles. 

The SEPv3 defends itself against drone attacks through a combination of its existing armor, newly added anti-drone screens, and improved electronic warfare capabilities to jam drone signals, which allows it to lessen the threat from small, fast-moving drones, particularly when facing drone swarms.

The improved third-generation Forward Looking Infrared targeting system allows the crew to fire from stand-off distances where the enemy can’t see it.

Better Lethality/Firepower

The SEPv3’s 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. This round is an Armor-Piercing, Fin Stabilized, Discarding Sabot – Tracer (APFSDS-T),  cartridge consisting of depleted uranium long-rod penetrator with a three-petal composite sabo.

M1 Abrams Tank

U.S. Marines assigned to 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, fire a 120mm smoothbore main gun from an M1A1 Abrams main battle tank during a course of fire at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 30, 2019. The unit conducted marksmanship qualifications as a part of a biannual training exercise to certify tank crews on the M1A1 Abrams main battle tank. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Abrey Liggins)

At extended ranges, these rounds will defeat third-generation explosive reactive armor (ERA). ERA is designed for maximum penetration power against heavily armored targets and has a maximum effective range of 4,000 meters. 

The crew compartment remains the same, with the driver in the middle of the hull and the commander, loader, and gunner in the well-armored turret. In addition to the main gun, the SEPv3 will have a .50 caliber M2 machine gun and a  7.62mm M240B co-axial machine gun.

Engine and Power Generation:

The M1A2 SEPv3 is powered by a Honeywell AGT1500 gas turbine engine, which produces 1,500hp.

The auxiliary power unit which is located under the armor, enables the tank to operate onboard systems with a reduced probability of detection during silent watch operations.

M1 Abrams

An M1A1 Abrams Tank fires off a round as a demonstration during 1st Tank Battalion’s Jane Wayne Spouse Appreciation Day aboard the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., April 3, 2018. The purpose of the event is to build resiliency in spiritual well being, the will to fight and a strong home life for the 1st Tanks Marines and their families. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Rachel K. Porter)

The generator allows the turret to operate without power from the main engine when the vehicle is stationary, resulting in improved fuel efficiency and stealth.

The US Army has made superb improvements with the M1A2 SEPv3. This may allow the M1 Abrams to remain in the inventory until 2040, which would be a 60-year lifespan. The best tank in the world is now even better. 

About the Author: 

Steve Balestrieri is a 19FortyFive National Security Columnist. He served as a US Army Special Forces NCO and Warrant Officer. In addition to writing for 1945, he covers the NFL for PatsFans.com and is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA). His work was regularly featured in other military publications. Follow him on Twtter: @SteveB7SFG.