The United States has delivered the first M1A2 Abrams to its logistics site in Poland

3 July, 2024 American M1A2 Abrams tanks at the Powidz Army Prepositioned Stocks-2 (PAPS-2) logistics site in Powidz. June 2024, Poland. Photo credits: army.mil

The first batch of American M1A2 main battle tanks has arrived at the PAPS-2 logistics site in Powidz, Poland. The US military reported that the first 14 M1A2 tanks were delivered by rail. One M88 armored recovery vehicle was also brought to the Powidz Army Prepositioned Stocks-2 (PAPS-2) site.

This marks an important milestone in the facility's development, leading to total operational capacity by 2025. In its final phase, the PAPS-2 facility will accommodate thousands of pieces of equipment, including hundreds of M1A2 tanks, M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, and M109 Paladin self-propelled howitzers.

American M1A2 Abrams tanks at the Powidz Army Prepositioned Stocks-2 (PAPS-2) logistics site in Powidz. June 2024.

Poland. Photo credits: army.mil

This facility is one of six operational APS-2s in Europe under the direction of the 405th Army Field Support Brigade. The strategic importance of the Powidz APS-2 facility lies in its ability to rapidly equip U.S. armored brigade combat teams deployed to Europe for training or contingency operations.

This rapid deployment capability also significantly reduces the time required to deploy forces to NATO's eastern flank. "This facility illustrates the synergy between the United States, NATO, and our Polish allies, ensuring that we can maintain readiness and rapidly deploy our forces," the Commander of the 405th Army Field Support Brigade shared.

American M1A2 Abrams tanks at the Powidz Army Prepositioned Stocks-2 (PAPS-2) logistics site in Powidz. June 2024, Poland. Photo credits: army.mil

PAPS-2 opened in 2023 as the largest infrastructure project in the last 30 years, funded by NATO and the United States.

The site covers 60 thousand m2 of warehouse space with a regulated humidity level. It can store equipment and materials necessary for repair and operation. The project took six years to complete.

It cost NATO and the United States £360 million.

This is the largest single investment in the alliance's infrastructure in 30 years.

In 2023, the United States also opened its first permanent military base in Poland.