Australian brigade armed with first Abrams M1A2 SEPv3
30 November, 2024 An Abrams M1A2 SEPv3 tank of the Australian Army. November 2024. Australia.
Photo credits: Australian Department of Defense The 3rd Brigade of the Australian Army received the first American Abrams tanks in the M1A2 SEPv3 configuration. The Department of Defense stated that the 2nd Cavalry Regiment had received 4 of the 14 tanks planned for the regiment.
The remaining Abrams M1A2 SEPv3 tanks are to be delivered by the end of 2025. Major Trent Lam of the Australian Army said that the new tank had increased firepower, protection and mobility comparatively to the M1A1 Abrams main battle tank. The tank is also equipped with an independent commander's thermal imager and advanced situational awareness systems that provide the crew with improved visibility and threat detection.
An Abrams M1A2 SEPv3 tank of the Australian Army.
November 2024. Australia. Photo credits: Australian Department of Defense
"This allows the commander and the gunner to look at two different points," the major explained.
It is also equipped with advanced fire control systems, including a digital ballistic calculator, laser rangefinder and thermal sights, which allows for efficient targeting and engagement of the enemy. Major Lam said the tank's capabilities made it a formidable weapon on the battlefield, effectively combining firepower, protection and mobility. In total, the Australian Army will receive 75 combat vehicles from the United States as part of the modernization program.
Abrams M1A2 SEPv3 tanks of the Australian Army.
November 2024. Australia. Photo credits: Australian Department of Defense
The new tanks will replace the existing inventory of 59 M1A1 tanks that Australia purchased from the United States in 2007.
In addition to the tanks, the deal includes 29 M1150 Armored Engineer Vehicles, 18 M1074 Joint Assault Bridges and 6 M88A2 Hercules Armored Recovery Vehicles.
Australian Abrams in the United States.
Source: t.me/btvt2019.
In October, it became known that Australia would provide Ukraine with M1A1 tanks as part of a new military aid package.