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Key Points: The M1A2 Abrams SEPv3 is a highly advanced upgrade designed to ensure the tank’s relevance on the modern battlefield. Featuring explosive reactive armor, a Trophy Active Protection System, and enhanced underbody survivability, it is well-equipped to counter drones and anti-tank missiles.

-Armed with a 120mm smoothbore cannon capable of firing advanced rounds, the SEPv3 offers increased firepower and precision. Upgraded sensors, including a third-generation Forward Looking Infrared system, enhance stand-off targeting capabilities.

-As Poland and Australia adopt this version, their older Abrams tanks may be sent to Ukraine. The SEPv3 ensures the Abrams remains a dominant force for decades.

M1A2 Abrams SEPv3: The Tank Built to Dominate the Modern Battlefield

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weapons have sent many tanks to an early grave during the war in Ukraine and it has some wondering if the tank itself is obsolete.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.

3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division sends the first round downrange with the U.S. Army’s new M1A2 SEPV3 Abrams Main Battle Tank, Fort Hood, Texas, August 18, 2020. After the GREYWOLF brigade conducts a test fire on every tank they will dial in their sites by “zeroing” the tanks main gun, ensuring they are fully prepared to conduct future gunnery live fire exercises.

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.

M1 Abrams

A M1A2 SEPV3 Abrams Tank fires at multiple range targets during a range warfighter exercise, April 11, 2021, Fort Hood, Texas. The visit with foreign allies allows the U.S. Army to boost interoperability of staff members and warfighting capabilities with the M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams Tank. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Melissa N. Lessard)

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.