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
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
-
![Dominating the spectrum: ASELSAN’s EW capabilities take center stage at MSPO 2026]()
Dominating the spectrum: ASELSAN’s EW capabilities take center stage at MSPO 2026
ASELSAN is showcasing its advanced electronic warfare (EW) capabilities at MSPO 2026, highlighting technologies designed to detect, analyse, disrupt and deceive threats across increasingly contested electromagnetic environments.
-
![US Army set to receive first ISV-U-mounted Scorpion Light mortar]()
US Army set to receive first ISV-U-mounted Scorpion Light mortar
Global Military Products will begin deliveries next week under a US$12.9 million agreement covering digitally enabled 81mm mortar systems, vehicle integration and army fire-control technology.
-
![US Army reaches out to industry for M109 replacement in a deal worth up to $8 billion]()
US Army reaches out to industry for M109 replacement in a deal worth up to $8 billion
The US has tried several times to replace the M109 Paladin self-propelled howitzer, a requirement which Shephard forecasts could be for as many as 670 platforms and worth as much as US$8 billion.
-
![“Creating a decision advantage”: how C-UAS is evolving to reduce the operator burden]()
“Creating a decision advantage”: how C-UAS is evolving to reduce the operator burden
In Conversation… Speaking to Shephard’s Gerrard Cowan, Dr Brian Shand, Director – Advanced Concepts & Technology at L3Harris, explains how, as operators face growing numbers of low-cost drones, C-UAS providers must focus on reducing operator workload, transforming fragmented sensor data into effective decision-making.
