The US will create the fourth version of the M1A2 Abrams tank
The Pentagon announced the next modernization of the Abrams tank - to the level of M1A2 Abrams SER v4. "Newspaper.Ru" figured out what the upgrade is and how this version of the car will differ from the previous ones.
The current modernization of the Abrams tank will be the fourth after its adoption by the US Army. Abrams will receive new sights, the IVIS combat information and control system, enhanced tower reservation, and in addition, new surveillance devices and a third-generation thermal imager, which will be integrated into the optical devices of the commander and gunner, which will increase the target detection range. The tank will also be equipped with color cameras.
"This is a technology that will give tank crews the opportunity to identify enemy targets at a greater distance than ever before," the official press release of the US military department noted.
Earlier it was reported about Poland's intention to strengthen the tank fleet of its army by purchasing 250 upgraded M1A2 Abrams of the third version - SEPv3 in the USA. The deal will amount to $4.74 billion. Polish Minister of National Defense Mariusz Blaszczak signed a memorandum on the purchase of "Abrams" right at the location of the 1st Warsaw Armored Brigade in Wesol. The State Department and the US Congress have issued approval for the sale. The machines should replace the Soviet T-72.
"It is possible to judge the merits of a particular tank only by the results of its combat use. The Russian army has never encountered Abrams, but judging by the characteristics, this is a serious technique. With a powerful cannon, reinforced armor and guidance means. Like any other armored vehicle, it is vulnerable to anti-tank weapons. During the war in Iraq, for example, several Abrams were shot down from hand grenade launchers," he told the newspaper.Ru" former commander of the 58th Army, retired Lieutenant General Anatoly Khrulev.
The general noted two main advantages of the American tank - its rate of fire and automatic fire control system. According to Khrulev, the latest modernization of the Abrams is also moving in the direction of improving these characteristics - by improving navigation and aiming.
"Any tank as such consists of three components - a chassis on a tracked base, an armored turret and a hull, plus weapons in the form of a cannon and machine guns. It is impossible to think of anything else, just like in a bicycle. We can only improve all this to new capabilities," Khrulev added.
In November 2021, the American portal Army Recognition reported that the fourth version of the Abrams will have "radical updates, it is planned to integrate an unmanned turret and other innovations into the tank." According to open sources, the concept of an unmanned tower for Abramas has not yet been officially discussed by the Pentagon.
According to military expert Andrey Makhnenko, Abrams has "practically worked out" its capabilities for modernization.
There was a lot of talk about an uninhabited tower, like the Russian "Armata". But in this case, you need to change the entire design of the tank. It's easier to build a new one. The design of the Abrams tank is doomed. He is not a competitor of Armata. General Dynamics is currently working on a GDLS MPF tank project, where there will be an uninhabited tower," Makhnenko said.
In turn, military expert, reserve Colonel Grigory Zuevich considers "Abrams" initially "very overrated."
"This tank is mostly popular in Australia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and a number of countries in the Middle East. It is quite heavy and not too agile. Again, the power reserve of the Abrams is limited. It is suitable for local battles in open terrain. These tanks need to be delivered to the place of combat operations by rail and road platforms, which reduces their efficiency in deployment," concluded Zuevich.
Victor Sokirko
