The US Army has changed its mind about upgrading Abrams tanks under the SEP programme and announced a new M1E3 modernisation plan

The US Army will have M1E3 Abrams tanks in service in a few years. The service has decided to abandon the System Enhancement Package (SEP) programme.

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The US Army is currently modernising tanks under the SEPv4 project. However, the service has decided to change plans and announced a new upgrade programme called the M1E3. It focuses on anti-tank capabilities.

The M1E3 upgrade programme is designed to find solutions to the problems that the US M1 Abrams main battle tanks will face after 2040. The US Army will not put the SEPv4 into production and will devote all resources to the new project.

The US military takes into account the experience of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which is at war with the Russian Federation. In particular, it talks about the need for an active system, reducing the weight of the combat vehicle, improving survivability and reducing logistical costs.

The U.S. Army cannot improve the Abrams' capabilities without increasing its weight. As such, the service will focus on how to reduce the logistical impact. This was stated by Major General Glenn Dean, executive director of the Ground Combat Systems programme.

The day before, the White House announced the delivery of M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine as part of a $1bn military aid package, meaning the US military will soon be able to see how its combat vehicles behave in real combat conditions.

The M1E3 will be the replacement for the M1A2 version. The introduction of modular architecture standards will allow the tanks to be modernised quickly and efficiently. Initial operational capability is scheduled to be achieved early next decade.

Source: US Army