GDLS to upgrade more Abrams for US Army
General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) has received a $714 million delivery order from the US Army to upgrade an additional 174 M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks to the M1A2 System Enhancement Package Version 3 (SEPv3) configuration, the company announced on 8 January.
The order is part of a contract signed in December 2017, under which the US Army can upgrade up to 435 M1A1 Abrams tanks to the M1A2 SEPv3 configuration. This order brings the total of M1A2 SEPv3 tanks ordered by the army in 2018 to 274.
The upgraded M1A2 SEPv3 configuration has improved communications and networking capabilities, additional electrical power from an auxiliary power unit, upgraded armour, an ammo data link to interface with advanced ammunition and reduced maintenance requirements.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
Hanwha debuts with US Army deal worth up to $3.6 billion as it eyes future M109 replacement
The Mobile Tactical Cannon is to replace the US Army’s M777 towed howitzers which could result in the procurement of almost 500 systems at an estimated $3.59 billion.
-
US pours another $23 billion into Arsenal of Freedom to ramp up missile production
The US Department of Defense (DoD) is spending billions of dollars to accelerate missile production to meet demands from the war against Iran and requirements in Ukraine. Manufacture of SM-3 and PAC-3 interceptors is being ramped up, alongside a $22.9 billion commitment to Tomahawk cruise missiles.
-
Rheinmetall advances longer 155mm ordnance with 30% range increase
Rheinmetall has begun initial firing trials of a new 155mm/60-calibre artillery ordnance that could deliver up to 30% greater range than its existing 155mm/52-calibre system, as production of the current gun expands across Germany and the UK.
-
Trans-European iMUGS2 uncrewed systems programme set for three-day exercise in 2028
The next stage of the Integrated Modular Unmanned Ground System (iMUGS) programme, dubbed iMUGS2, was launched in November 2025. Three major demonstrations are planned before the end of 2028.
-
British Army Land Rover replacement plan inches forward
The UK Ministry of Defence has proposed a selection date of May 2027 for the Land Rover replacement requirement, with deliveries expected through to 2036. Next month’s DVD exhibition will be a key shop window for bidders.