The US Army is upgrading its M1A2 main battle tanks to the new M1E3 version, which will be equipped with a new powerplant and automatic loading system.

A new document on tank modernization was published by the Congressional Research Service.

As part of the Army Research Office’s tests in 2019, the US Army has formulated requirements for a new modernization of the Abrams tank, which should significantly improve the vehicle’s firepower, autonomy, and efficiency.

According to the council’s recommendations, the army needs $2.9 billion and seven years to create a new modernization within the framework of the “fifth generation combat vehicle” program with the proposed capabilities.

It is worth noting that the current requirements are mostly the wishes of the military and may not be accepted by the US Department of Defense. However, they currently include the replacement of the AGT-1500 gas turbine engine with a more economical hybrid-electric engine.

Weight reduction and hybrid-electric drive are seen by the Army as key features that are prioritized to reduce logistical requirements and logistics costs. This should increase the tank’s range on a single refueling, reduce noise and the thermal signature of the vehicle.

“This will reduce the amount of fuel that needs to be transported on the battlefield and also reduce the electromagnetic footprint of the vehicle. The tank will be lighter than ever and will have an active defense system capable of destroying enemy drones with both kinetic and non-kinetic means,” the document says.

To enhance the tank’s firepower, the army plans to equip it with a new 120 mm gun and autoloader. The exact choice of the gun is currently unknown, but the American industry has some experience in this area, in particular, in the development of the XM360E1 120mm gun. At the same time, the German L55A1 120mm cannon may be chosen to reduce the cost.

Among other planned changes:

• Advanced munitions, including maneuverable hypersonic and artillery guided anti-tank missiles;
• Integrated armor protection;
• Improved command, control and networking capabilities;
• Application of artificial intelligence (AI);
• Ability to work together with robotic platforms;
• Camouflage means to reduce the thermal and electromagnetic visibility of the vehicle.

According to the published document, in early May 2024, the Army signed a contract with General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS), which will allow the military to work closely with the company to formulate requirements for the M1E3. The army hopes to adopt the M1E3 in a similar manner to the XM30 infantry fighting vehicle, i.e. with operational readiness in early 2030.

Earlier, Militarnyi reported that in September 2023, the US Army had announced the development of a new tank modernization under the M1E3 Abrams index, instead of partial improvements under the System Enhancement Package program.

The new version of the E3 tank is expected to dramatically change the combat vehicle’s anti-tank capabilities and be relevant until 2050.