The Abrams tank: US heavy metal looks set to roll on for decades (updated 2024)
A M1A2 live-fire qualification taking place at Pabrade Training Area in Lithuania. (Photo: US DoD)
The Abrams tank has been the mainstay of US battle groups for decades and looks set to continue its substantive role beyond 2050. Further upgrades have been proposed for the in-demand MBT as plans are unveiled for a substantially updated new version.
Since first entering service decades ago, the Abrams Main Battle Tank (MBT) has been rebooted and upgraded with improved systems and protection for both US and international forces, in an effort that began in the early 1990s and has now entered a third standard.
MBTs are inclined to be refreshed or taken to a next iteration while retaining a similar design, such as has happened with Leopard, Merkava and Challenger vehicles, as opposed to aircraft or naval vessels which are often new designs and replaced.
Commonly, new armour, control and optical systems, guns and engines are inserted, while the existing
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Land Warfare
-
![Rheinmetall and KNDS tank tie-up narrows trans-European options]()
Rheinmetall and KNDS tank tie-up narrows trans-European options
The French and German governments signed an agreement in June 2018 to cooperate on the development of a new main battle tank under the Main Ground Combat System programme but the effort has struggled. This new agreement may damage it further.
-
![2025 land market review: British Army woes, European heavy armour and US MBT progress]()
2025 land market review: British Army woes, European heavy armour and US MBT progress
The last year has seen several major procurements in the land market. Shephard’s Dr Peter Magill reviews the main trends and themes in land procurement of 2025.
-
![Hungary set to begin using Hero 400 loitering munitions]()
Hungary set to begin using Hero 400 loitering munitions
Developed by Israel's Uvision and with systems being sold in the thousands to multiple European NATO countries and the US, the Hero family of loitering systems is also in production in the US and Italy, the latter through Rheinmetall.
