The US Army unveiled the first M-1E3 Abrams “early prototype” at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The showed Army-led design, produced in collaboration with Roush – an American automotive company - incorporates lessons learned from recent conflicts and it comes out by earlier risk mitigation activities. The prototype has been presented partnering with Detroit and Michigan’s broader automotive industry, highlighting the Army high demand to bring fresh ideas and expertise to the design and production of the new tank.

The initial objective of the project is to establish a strong foundation in software, mobility, and lethality, thereby enabling the development of new and emerging capabilities. According to Michelle Link, the Deputy Capability Program Executive, Ground – Combat Platforms, the M-1E3 ABRAMS has the ambition to be “a bold step forward in modern vehicle design, combining advanced protection, reduced weight, and a smaller logistical footprint to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s battlefield.” The first and most lethal threat that the new tank is required to address is the growing use of drones and long-range precision weapons. To counter these threats, the new vehicle integrates cutting-edge survivability systems which enhances its ability to protect both the crew and the mission. Thus, the M-1E3 is designed to be significantly lighter (reduced by 25%) and more agile than current models, with a 50% reduction in fuel requirements. It features a new turret, a redesigned chassis, and an autoloader.

The development of the M-1E3 has seen an extensive testing and feedback phase which has included insights from soldiers in the field. According to the US Army, “these efforts have shaped its advanced digital vehicle controls and a government-owned open systems architecture, which allows for rapid updates to both software and hardware.” Indeed, the core of the new ABRAMS version is going to be an open system architecture and a suite of AI-powered digital engineering tools, including GenAI, which enable rapid technology integration. This significant upgrade should enhance the integration of new technologies, ensuring the vehicle to remain a cutting-edge solution for modern warfare.

Utilizing a "fast" procurement approach, it is expected that the first M-1E3 tanks will be available for soldiers testing by roughly 2028-2030.

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