From the end of 2022, Poland is to receive 250 M1A2SEPv3 Abrams main battle tanks. At least four tank battalions are to be equipped with it. They are to be stationed in the 1st Warsaw Armored Brigade and the 19th Mechanized Brigade as part of the 18th Mechanized Division in the east of the country. It is their task, among other things, to form the counterweight to the most modern Russian tanks T-14 Armata in the possible first line of defense against an attack from the east. This was announced by Polish Deputy Prime Minister Jarosław Kaczyński together with Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Błaszczak.
Poland is only the second country after Australia, apart from the USA, to receive this version. In addition to the main battle tanks, the procurement package also includes support vehicles, training (including simulators) and logistics packages, and large ammunition supplies. The government is providing the equivalent of 5.1 billion euros for the entire procurement, which is financed outside of the defense budget.
The M1A2SEPv3 version is the most modern version of the Abrams main battle tank, which has been introduced into the US Army since 2019. The most important innovations of the tank are the modernized fire control system in a new electronic system architecture and power generation systems. The open, modular architecture allows the easy integration of further and future systems. The new M829A4 sub-caliber ammunition and the XM1147 programmable multi-purpose ammunition can be fired from the 120 mm smoothbore gun. Two second-generation FLIR thermal imaging cameras for the commander and gunner enable hunter-killer capabilities in all visibility conditions.
Der 67 Tonnen schwere Panzer wird von einer AGT-1500 Gasturbine mit 1.120 kW Höchstleitung angetrieben und erreicht eine Höchstgeschwindigkeit von 68 km/h. Für den Schutz kommen u.a. Elemente aus abgereichertem Uran, Komposit- und Käfigpanzerung und reaktive Panzerung zum Einsatz. Ob der Schutz der polnischen Panzer dem der amerikanische entsprechen wird, ist nicht bekannt.
The new tanks are intended to replace the T-72 and PT-91 tanks from the Russian era. The 447 Leopard 2 A4 and A5 main battle tanks acquired by Germany in 2002 and 2013 are apparently to continue to be used. Poland had thus made the technical and tactical connection to NATO.
For Australia, the US government approved the purchase of 75 M1A2SEPv3 in April 2021, along with other armored vehicles. The main suppliers listed there are General Dynamics Land Systems, BAE Systems, and Leonardo DRS.
Gerhard Heiming
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