The United States plans to send to Ukraine the Abrams main battle tanks in the M1A2 configuration.

This was reported by Politico, citing its own sources.

Sources of the media said that tanks for Ukraine would receive armored packages in the export version.

There are three main versions of the tank: M1, M1A1 and M1A2. They differ from each other in improved weapons, protection systems and electronics.

M1 Abrams tanks are constantly updated. For the most part, they are trying to strengthen armoring and add new digital systems.

In the M1A2 version, the commander has an independent thermal sight and a new generation of uranium armor, which is described by the source of the media.

The United States takes this secret recipe armor off the tanks before selling it to its other allies, according to Politico.

The A2 version has more sophisticated optics and controls than the older A1 version.

Externally similar to the A1, A2 has a redesigned commander’s combat module with improved guidance optics and an independent thermal imager that allows the commander to independently scan targets in all weather and combat conditions.

The control mechanisms are digitized, a new information system is installed. That allows vehicles to exchange information continuously and automatically.

Using the new technology, commanders can quickly track the location of friendly equipment, determine enemy positions and process artillery requests.

Questions remain about the delivery dates of 31 Abrams to Ukraine. Tanks are assembled in only one place – at the state-owned plant in Lima, Ohio operated by General Dynamics. This plant can produce 12 tanks a month, but the line is now loaded with orders for new tanks for Taiwan and Poland, the publication reports.