Early prototype of General Dynamics M1E3 main battle tank displayed at Detroit auto show
The next-generation tank for the US Army, the M1E3, was displayed as an early prototype at the North American International Auto Show. (Photo: US Army)
The first prototype M1E3 main battle tank was handed over to the US Army for testing and evaluation earlier this year, and now a pre-prototype has been unveiled. What have we learned from the vehicle first seen on 14 January?
The General Dynamics Land Systems M1E3 Abrams main battle tank (MBT) displayed at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on 14 January was described on US Army social media as “an early prototype”.
According to the US Army statement released with the image, “the M1E3 features enhanced protection, reduced weight and a minimised logistics footprint with integrated survivability systems”. An actual prototype was announced as delivered to the US Army earlier this year.
Notably, the image does not look like the photos released previously. The MBT has a new turret with a bustle mounted automatic loader which has enabled the
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Europe’s eastern flank moves on air defence radars with wider efforts also underway]()
Europe’s eastern flank moves on air defence radars with wider efforts also underway
Air defence radars have become more important assets in the past year with incursions in NATO countries on Europe’s eastern flank highlighting the need.
-
![Australia’s SM-2 land trial could reshape ADF medium-range air defence plans]()
Australia’s SM-2 land trial could reshape ADF medium-range air defence plans
The first ground launch of the SM-2 could offer Canberra a path to expand its missile defence capability by adapting systems already fielded across the ADF.
-
![UK hits pause on deployable mortar system procurement as US begins search]()
UK hits pause on deployable mortar system procurement as US begins search
The US Army's market survey into available 81mm and 120mm mobile mortar systems was launched only a few days after the UK suspended Project Stokes, an almost identical plan, “pending future decisions on prioritisation, resourcing and funding”.
-
![FIA 2026: MBDA launches low-cost interceptor for short-range air defence]()
FIA 2026: MBDA launches low-cost interceptor for short-range air defence
At FIA 2026, MBDA launched its Counter Mass Interceptor (CMI) which the company says is a mass-producible, low-cost effector for fire-and-forget engagements at range and altitude.
-
![Self-propelled howitzers are driving the European artillery renaissance]()
Self-propelled howitzers are driving the European artillery renaissance
After decades of force reductions as artillery was deprioritised, Europe is now undergoing an artillery renaissance as governments across the continent scramble to invest in new capabilities in response to the war in Ukraine.
