Poland Completes Acquisition of M1A1 Abrams Tanks, Awaits Delivery of M1A2 SEP v.3

 

The Polish Army has officially received the final shipment of M1A1 Abrams tanks, marking the end of this particular procurement phase. As of June 26, the last batch of 47 main battle tanks has been delivered. On the same day, Poland also acquired 26 M1152A1B2 HMMWV workshops and various consumables. This completion of M1A1FEP Abrams deliveries sets the stage for the future arrival of the M1A2 SEP v.3 main battle tanks for the Polish armed forces.

In April 2022, Poland signed an agreement to purchase 250 units of the latest M1A2 Abrams tanks in the SEPv3 configuration. This $4.75 billion contract includes M88A2 Hercules recovery vehicles and M1110 Joint Assault Bridges.

By July 2022, Poland decided to expedite the acquisition of approximately 240 additional vehicles to replace their Soviet-era T-72 tanks, which were sent to Ukraine as part of defense aid. To bridge this gap, Poland secured used American Abrams tanks under a separate agreement, involving 116 pre-owned vehicles from the US Marine Corps inventory, featuring updated fire control systems and enhanced armor protection.

Poland received its first batch of M1A1FEP Abrams tanks on June 28, 2023, nearly 11 months after the contracts were signed. This initial delivery included 14 tanks and three M88A2 Hercules machines. Subsequent deliveries accelerated, with 26 tanks and nine M88A2 Hercules machines arriving in November 2023, followed by another 29 tanks in January 2024.

In February 2024, Poland inaugurated a regional maintenance hub for Abrams tanks in Poznań, about 300 kilometers west of Warsaw. This facility, managed by the state-owned Polish Armaments Group (PGZ), is available to American forces stationed in Poland and other European partners requiring Abrams repairs. PGZ stated that the hub will support both Polish Abrams tanks and those deployed abroad, emphasizing the need for comprehensive service, operation, and maintenance of military equipment.

The U.S. Marine Corps' M1A1FEP tanks and the U.S. Army's M1A1 tanks share a common base but have key differences tailored to their specific operational needs. The Marine Corps' M1A1FEP tanks feature the Blue Force Tracker communication system, additional armor packages for enhanced protection, and modified suspension systems for better handling amphibious operations and rough terrain. They also have upgraded fire-control systems for improved targeting and engagement in dynamic combat situations. Logistically, these tanks are designed for self-sufficiency in austere environments, reflecting the Marines' need for extended independent operations without extensive support infrastructure.

US to Supply Taiwan with 1000 Armed Drones Amid Rising Tensions with China

 The United States has approved a $360 million sale of over 1,000 small armed drones to Taiwan, significantly enhancing Taiwan's asymmetric defense strategy against China. The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on June 18 that Taiwan will receive 720 Switchblade drones and related fire control systems valued at $60.2 million. Additionally, Taiwan will acquire up to 291 Altius 600M loitering munitions and associated components for $300 million.

This sale comes as Taiwan awaits previously ordered military equipment, including Abrams tanks, F-16 Vipers, and advanced munitions from Washington. Despite adhering to the 'One China' principle, the U.S. is legally obligated to provide Taiwan with defensive tools against Chinese aggression. This arms sale has drawn criticism from Beijing, which accuses the U.S. of turning Taiwan into a "powder keg."

The drone sale is crucial for Taiwan's asymmetric warfare strategy, which relies on unconventional weapons to deter a Chinese invasion. Taiwan's National Defense Report emphasizes increasing resilience and self-sufficiency, prioritizing domestic defense, and enhancing its "all-out defense" capabilities.

The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command's "Hellscape" strategy aims to deploy drones to distract China during a Taiwanese invasion, allowing U.S. forces time to respond. Admiral Samuel Paparo outlined this strategy, which involves flooding the Taiwan Strait with unmanned submarines, surface ships, and aerial drones to impede a Chinese invasion fleet.

Taiwan's recent interest in drones was likely influenced by their successful use in Ukraine, where U.S.-supplied Switchblade UAVs helped repel Russian forces. Taiwan has also developed its own drones, such as the Chien Hsiang loitering munitions, capable of targeting diverse radar systems deployed by China.

The Switchblade 300, known for its low-cost, lightweight, and precision-guided capabilities, can be deployed quickly from various platforms and has a range of 30 kilometers. Its unique abort function allows it to self-destruct if necessary, minimizing casualties.

The Altius-600M loitering munition, larger than the Switchblade 300, can be launched from land, air, or sea and features multiple seekers and warhead options. It boasts twice the loitering time and range of current loitering munitions and can operate in swarms, enabling a single operator to control multiple drones simultaneously.

Taiwan thanked the U.S. for the drone sale, marking the 15th arms deal between the two since 2021. Taiwan's Presidential Office spokesperson, Karen Kuo, emphasized the importance of strengthening self-defense and asymmetric warfare capabilities to uphold democracy and international order.

US General Defends Abrams Tanks Amid Ukrainian Criticisms, Highlights Future Upgrades

 In response to Ukrainian military complaints about the performance of US-supplied Abrams tanks, a retired US general has strongly defended the tanks, acknowledging their heavy maintenance but rejecting the criticisms as exaggerated. Ukrainian tank crews recently raised concerns about the Abrams tanks, citing issues such as armor inadequacy and engine problems, deeming them unsuitable for the combat conditions in Ukraine.

Ukrainian authorities have expressed dissatisfaction, pointing out the tanks' inability to withstand the terrain and conditions of the conflict zone. Crews reported various grievances, including armor that fails to meet modern standards, engine malfunctions, and electronics vulnerabilities due to condensation from rain or fog. Additionally, they noted that despite firing multiple rounds, some targets remained intact, questioning the tanks' combat effectiveness.

Retired US General Mark Hertling refuted these claims in an interview with CNN. Hertling, with three decades of service in Europe, dismissed the criticisms as exaggerated. He stated that the Abrams tanks were designed for a NATO environment and that he did not encounter the issues described by the Ukrainian crews during his tenure. He labeled the complaints about condensation, armor, and obstacle clearance as "bullshit" and attributed any perceived shortcomings to the crews' failure to select the right weapon systems and maintain the tanks properly.

Hertling emphasized that mechanical breakdowns are typical in tank operations and that disgruntled crew members might exaggerate issues. Despite knowing the maintenance demands, Ukraine had requested the Abrams tanks for military support.

Lessons from Ukraine for Future Abrams Tanks The deployment of Abrams tanks, specifically the M1A1 models, was intended to strengthen Ukraine's resistance against Russian forces. However, battlefield experiences have challenged their previously invincible reputation. After persistent appeals, the US agreed in January 2023 to send 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine. By October 2023, all tanks had arrived, raising hopes for a strategic advantage.

Nevertheless, these tanks faced significant challenges, particularly from Russian drones, with at least five Abrams tanks reportedly destroyed. Recent images show Abrams tanks in Ukraine outfitted with anti-drone armor screens, though their effectiveness remains uncertain.

In response to the lessons learned from the conflict in Ukraine, the US military is accelerating efforts to incorporate these insights into the development of the next-generation Abrams tank. Brigadier General Geoffrey Norman, director of the Next-Generation Combat Vehicle Cross-Functional Team, acknowledged the Abrams' limitations against modern threats such as anti-tank missiles and drones. While the tank offers excellent protection against direct fire, it is vulnerable to top-attack threats.

Norman highlighted the Abrams' effectiveness in offensive maneuvers, emphasizing its mobility and firepower. However, he cautioned against stationary use, which increases vulnerability. To address these challenges, Army leaders are reevaluating formation options to distribute capabilities and protect soldiers.

In September 2023, following observations from the Ukrainian conflict, the US Army announced a shift in its tank modernization strategy. Instead of proceeding with the planned moderate upgrade (SEPv4), the Army opted for a more ambitious upgrade, the M1E3 Abrams, to be known as the M1A3 upon deployment. The new design aims for a lighter tank with enhanced survivability and a reduced logistical footprint. Details on the M1A3 are still being refined, with General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) serving as the prime contractor.

US Army Pushes For Lighter, High-Tech Abrams Tank with Enhanced Capabilities

 

The U.S. Army has awarded General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) a contract to begin preliminary design for a new variant of the Abrams tank, designated M1E3. This new tank is expected to be lighter and incorporate advanced technologies to enhance its battlefield survivability, according to Brig. Gen. Geoffrey Norman, the head of combat vehicle modernization.

The contract aims to align the development of the M1E3 Abrams with the M30 Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle, hoping to field both simultaneously within armored brigade combat teams. Whether this alignment is possible will depend on factors such as technology maturation and budgets.

The Army is currently running a competition between American Rheinmetall Vehicles and GDLS to develop the XM30 vehicle, which will replace the Bradley infantry fighting vehicle. A winner is expected to be chosen by late fiscal 2027 or early fiscal 2028.

The preliminary design schedule for the M1E3 is under review, with a more concrete timeline anticipated by fall. The Army decided last fall to abandon its upgrade plans for the Abrams tank in favor of a more significant modernization effort, resulting in the end of the M1A2 System Enhancement Package version 4 program.

The M1E3 will be an engineering change proposal with a different design approach to meet existing requirements, resulting in a very differently configured Abrams tank. Over the next 18 months, the Army will focus on technology maturation efforts, including autoloader capabilities, alternate power trains, active protection systems, and aids for fully buttoned-up crew operation.

The goal is to reduce the tank's weight from its current 73 tons to under 60 tons, though this is considered ambitious. Changes may include a revised crew configuration, possibly involving a remote or optionally manned turret. Hybrid power trains will also be examined to reduce fuel consumption and achieve silent watch and drive capabilities, while still maintaining high dash speeds.

The M1E3 will feature an integrated active protection system as a core component of its design to enhance vehicle survivability. This new tank variant represents a major step in the modernization of the U.S. Army's armored forces.

Ukrainian Military Criticizes US Abrams Tanks: Vulnerabilities and Battlefield Challenges Revealed

 The reputation of the US-supplied Abrams tanks, once considered a game-changer for Ukraine’s military, is now under heavy scrutiny. Ukrainian soldiers have reported weaknesses and flaws in these American vehicles, raising doubts about their effectiveness in the ongoing conflict with Russian forces.

Initially, the deployment of Abrams tanks, specifically the M1A1 models, was intended to bolster Ukraine's resistance. In January 2023, following persistent lobbying by Ukrainian officials, the US agreed to send 31 Abrams tanks. Each costing approximately $10 million, these tanks were expected to breach Russian defensive lines. By October 2023, all 31 tanks had arrived in Ukraine, igniting hopes for a strategic advantage.

However, battlefield experiences have revealed significant challenges. At least five Abrams tanks have been destroyed by Russian attacks, particularly from drones, undermining their anticipated impact. Ukrainian tank crews trained in Germany expressed concerns about the tanks’ armor, stating it is not strong enough to protect against modern weapons.

"The tank’s armor is not sufficient for this moment," said one crew member, known as Joker. "It doesn’t protect the crew. For real, today, this is the war of drones. So now, when the tank rolls out, they always try to hit them." Another crew member, Dnipro, highlighted that Abrams tanks have become the "number one target" on the battlefield, emphasizing the high risk to soldiers.

Despite reports suggesting a withdrawal of Abrams tanks from the front lines, officials from the 47th Mechanized Brigade confirmed that all Abrams tanks remain near the eastern front. Technical issues have further compounded the tanks' challenges. During a CNN visit, one tank was immobilized due to an engine problem despite being newly shipped from Poland. Additionally, rain or fog can cause condensation, potentially damaging the vehicle's electronics.

The crews also face ammunition issues, with the current supplies being unsuitable for their combat needs. "What we have is more for direct tank-to-tank fights, which happens very rarely," Joker explained. "More often, we work as artillery. You need to take apart a tree line or a building. We had a case when we fired 17 rounds into a house, and it was still standing."

Why Are Abrams Tanks Facing Challenges?

Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) play a critical role in modern high-intensity land warfare. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has shown that large-scale offensive operations require an adequate supply of these powerful machines. However, several factors have contributed to the struggles of US-supplied Abrams tanks on the Ukrainian frontlines.

Some Western sources have criticized Ukrainian leadership for poor operational planning. However, Ukraine's armed forces are at a severe disadvantage against a well-armed and deeply entrenched Russian Army. The effectiveness of Abrams tanks has also been hindered by the lack of crucial aerial support, which is vital for modern armored warfare. Ukrainian tank crews noted the critical difference between NATO and Ukrainian battlefield conditions. Abrams tanks were designed for a NATO style of warfare, which heavily relies on air power and artillery to prepare the battlefield before tanks and infantry advance. Kyiv has often expressed frustration over the lack of adequate artillery and air power.

Joker, a Ukrainian tank crew member, explained that NATO soldiers would never undertake similar advances without air support. "Call the aviation, call the artillery," he mimicked a NATO soldier, pointing out that Ukraine has neither adequate aviation nor artillery, only tanks.

Entrenched defenses can only be breached with decisive airpower and massing heavy armor. Without airpower, this tactic requires numerous tanks, but Kyiv's current arsenal is a patchwork of different vehicles. While Washington has supplied 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, experts argue that at least two brigades of Abrams tanks—approximately 200—are needed in a coordinated effort to make an impact on the battlefield.

Despite their advanced design and capabilities, the limited number of Abrams tanks cannot overcome the well-fortified Russian defenses. Ukraine has become a graveyard for tanks, as even these advanced vehicles succumb to the harsh realities of the battlefield.