The Army's M-1E3 Abrams Tank Modernization Program (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Revised March 28, 2024 |
| Report Number |
IF12495 |
| Report Type |
In Focus |
| Authors |
Andrew Feickert |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
| Older Revisions |
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Summary:
The M-1 Abrams Tank (Figure 1) is designed to maneuver
under fire and destroy enemy armored forces on the
battlefield by means of mobility, survivability, and
firepower. The M-1 is named for General Creighton
Abrams, a noted World War II armored battalion
commander who later served as Army Chief of Staff from
1972 to 1974. M-1 Abrams tanks are the primary major
weapon system in Armored Brigade Combat Teams
(ABCTs). At present, the Active Army has 11 ABCTs, and
the Army National Guard has 5 ABCTs. Each ABCT has
87 M-1 Abrams tanks.
On September 6, 2023, the Army announced it would
“close out the M-1A2 SEPv4 effort and develop the M-1E3
Abrams.” The Army’s announcement quoted Major
General (MG) Glenn Dean, Program Executive Officer for
Ground Combat Systems, describing the rationale for the
decision:
The Abrams Tank can no longer grow its
capabilities without adding weight, and we need to
reduce its logistical footprint. The war in Ukraine
has highlighted a critical need for integrated
protections for soldiers, built from within instead of
adding on.
The Army announcement elaborated that the new platform
Will include the best features of the M-1A2 SEPv4
and will comply with the latest modular open
systems architecture standards, allowing quicker
technology upgrades and requiring fewer resources.
This will enable the Army and its commercial
partners to design a more survivable, lighter tank
that will be more effective on the battlefield at
initial fielding, and easier to upgrade in the future.
Regarding M-1A2 SEPv3 production, the Army noted that
The Army will continue to produce the M-1A2
SEPv3 at a reduced rate until production transitions
to the M-1E3 Abrams.
The Army projects achieving Initial Operational Capability
(IOC) in 2030. The Army’s FY2025 budget proposal
submitted to the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD)
reportedly includes request for funds to begin M-1E3
design work.
