According to a document published by the U.S. Ministry of Defense about the program acquisition for 2025, the U.S. Army has approved a significant shift in its Abrams Main Battle Tank (MBT) modernization strategy. In May 2023, Army Senior Leaders (ASLs) greenlit a new and more comprehensive Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) called the Abrams M1E3, effectively ending the pursuit of the previously planned Abrams SEPv4.
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U.S. Army M1A2 SEP v4 Abrams Main Battle Tank prototype undergoing early testing at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona. (Picture source: M1 Abrams Facebook account)
This new direction will incorporate many of the SEPv4’s technologies into the Abrams M1E3, marking a decisive strategic shift that aims to produce a more mobile, survivable, and advanced tank platform. The M1E3 will harness emerging technologies, backed by increased research and development funding, to create a lighter tank with improved operational and tactical capabilities.
The M1A2 Abrams System Enhancement Package Version 4 (SEPv4) was initially envisioned as the next major upgrade to the U.S. Army’s flagship Main Battle Tank, building on the previous M1A2 SEPv3 improvements. The SEPv4 program aimed to integrate a range of advanced technologies, enhancing the tank’s firepower, survivability, and network connectivity. Key features included a new upgraded ballistic protection system, improved thermal sights for both the gunner and commander, and an advanced command-and-control system to enable better integration with modern battlefield networks. Additionally, the SEPv4 was set to include more advanced protection systems, including the integration of a higher-performance Active Protection System (APS), which would further mitigate threats from anti-tank missiles and projectiles. Despite the initial push for SEPv4, the U.S. Army has since decided to fold many of these planned upgrades into the Abrams M1E3 program, signaling a shift in priorities toward creating a more agile, lighter, and more tactically mobile tank platform with a focus on emerging technologies.
The M1A2 Abrams MBT (Main Battle Tank), which first entered service in 1980, has long been the US. Army’s primary battle tank. Although production ended in 1994, the U.S. Army has continually modernized the platform through various System Enhancement Package (SEP) programs and Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs). These efforts have focused on enhancing key areas such as survivability, lethality, sustainability, and supportability to keep the M1 Abrams relevant on the modern battlefield. The M1A2 Abrams has been upgraded over the years with numerous modifications, and current improvements under the SEP Version 3 (SEPv3) program include a range of advanced capabilities: an updated armor suite for increased protection, an Ammunition Data Link for better fire control, the Commander’s Remote Operated Weapon Station – Low Profile (CROWS-LP) for enhanced operational flexibility, and an Under Armor Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) for greater energy efficiency. Additionally, SEPv3 upgrades include electronics enhancements, powertrain improvements, and the integration of an Active Protection System (APS) to defend against emerging threats.
The M1E3 ECP will incorporate these advances and more, marking a pivotal evolution in the Abrams tank’s modernization trajectory. The new design will leverage the latest advancements in tank warfare technology to produce a lighter, more tactically mobile, and survivable vehicle, a response to the evolving needs of modern battlefield environments. The U.S. Army’s increased investment in research and development (R&D) for this program will ensure the integration of these cutting-edge systems, enhancing both the operational capability and future-proofing of the Abrams tank. In this upgraded version, the U.S. Army aims to create a tank that excels in maneuverability while maintaining its legacy of exceptional survivability and lethality. The M1E3 will seek to build on the existing success of the M1A2 Abrams and will replace the need for a standalone SEPv4 program.
The U.S. Army’s decision to forgo the SEPv4 in favor of the M1E3 signals a broader shift in the strategic modernization of the Abrams tank. Originally, the SEPv4 was intended to integrate significant enhancements, including upgrades to the fire control system, protection capabilities, and vehicle management systems. However, the new strategy will now incorporate many of the SEPv4’s technologies into the M1E3, streamlining the modernization process while ensuring that the tank stays at the forefront of technological advancements. The M1E3’s development is expected to make use of several advanced features, including improvements to its armor suite, active protection systems (APS), and integration of advanced electronics. The new tank will also benefit from cutting-edge powertrain optimizations and new thermal management systems. This comprehensive approach will enhance the Abrams’ ability to dominate on the battlefield through improved lethality, mobility, and survivability.
While the M1E3 development is in the works, the Army will continue production of the M1A2 Abrams under the System Enhancement Package (SEP) Version 3 (SEPv3). The SEPv3 program includes several significant upgrades to the M1A2 platform, such as an updated armor suite, a new ammunition data link, and the addition of a Commander’s Remote Operated Weapon Station (CROWS-LP). The SEPv3 also includes an under-armor auxiliary power unit (APU), electronics upgrades, and powertrain improvements. Active Protection System (APS) upgrades are also part of this modification, further enhancing the tank’s defense against modern threats. As part of its modernization efforts, the Army will procure 30 SEPv3 tank upgrades in FY 2025, alongside technology maturation testing. This testing will focus on integrating key technologies such as the Meteorological Sensor, Laser Warning Receiver, and Thermal Management System into the M1A2 SEPv3, ensuring that the platform remains competitive as new technological advances are rolled out.
The M1E3’s ambitious development will pave the way for a more agile and advanced Main Battle Tank, capable of meeting the demands of future combat scenarios. The Army’s investment in both the M1E3 and continued upgrades to the M1A2 Abrams MBT ensures that the U.S. military remains prepared to counter emerging threats on the battlefield. By fusing various advanced technologies into a single cohesive platform, the Abrams M1E3 is expected to dominate adversaries with enhanced lethality, survivability, and operational mobility, reflecting the Army’s commitment to staying ahead in an ever-evolving strategic landscape. The decision to move forward with the Abrams M1E3 program rather than SEPv4 represents a forward-looking approach in military vehicle development, balancing advanced technology integration with cost-effective strategies to maintain the Abrams’ place as a key asset in U.S. armored forces for decades to come.
