Poland receives first batch of advanced M1A2 Abrams tanks

Europe, News January 25, 2025 , by IRIA No Comments

3 minute read

Poland has received the initial batch of 28 M1A2 Abrams Systems Enhancement Package version 3 (SEPv3) tanks — the most advanced version of the Abrams. This acquisition marks a significant step in Poland’s ongoing efforts to modernize its military.

Poland became the first European operator of the U.S.-made Abrams tanks after the country received the first of hundreds of Abrams tanks in June 2023.

The latest tranche of 28 M1A2 Abrams tanks arrived by ship in the port of Gdynia, Poland. Following the delivery, the tanks will be transported to a facility in Poznań for thorough inspection before being distributed across the Polish Armed Forces.

Polish Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz confirmed the delivery on social media, noting that the newly arrived main battle tanks will undergo inspection before being deployed with the Polish Army. This delivery forms part of a larger contract with the U.S. State Department, aimed at modernizing Poland’s defense infrastructure and strengthening its military readiness.

Pierwsze czołgi wersji M1A2SEPv3 ABRAMS są już w 🇵🇱. 28 Abramsów, po transporcie drogą morską, przejdzie przegląd, a potem trafią na służbę do #WojskoPolskie. Docelowo będziemy mieć 250 takich Abramsów. pic.twitter.com/IIcEpElCWf
— Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz (@KosiniakKamysz) January 18, 2025

By 2026, Poland is set to receive a total of 250 state-of-the-art M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams main battle tanks as part of a 2022 agreement with the United States. In 2023, Warsaw signed another $1.4 billion contract to acquire 116 refurbished M1A1 variant tanks from the United States with a faster delivery timeline, the last of which were delivered in the summer of 2024.

General Dynamics Land Systems is the lead contractor for the project, with BAE Systems, Leonardo DRS, Honeywell Aerospace, Raytheon, and Lockheed Martin playing key supporting roles.

Abrams tanks

The M1A2 Abrams is a next-generation main battle tank developed by General Dynamics. Originally designed to enhance interoperability between the U.S. and its allies, the M1A1 has been battle-tested and remains highly effective against evolving global threats. The tank has undergone several upgrades to maintain its operational edge.

The M1A2 variant, 32 feet long and weighing 67 tons, is powered by a Honeywell AGT1500 turbine engine with 1,500 horsepower. Its crew of four operates advanced systems including a 120mm smoothbore cannon, a .50-caliber heavy machine gun, and additional M240 machine guns.

M1A2 Abrams Main Battle Tank — *^{M1A2 of Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment, conducts platoon live-fire gunnery qualification February 14, 2019, at the Orchard Combat Training Center. (Image Credit: U.S. Army)}*

The tank’s metal-ceramic composite armor provides enhanced protection, while technologies like thermal imaging and reactive armor improve its battlefield survivability.

M1A2 Abrams SEPv3

The M1A2 SEPv3, the most modern version of the Abrams, introduces significant enhancements, including increased electrical power via an auxiliary power unit, improved network capabilities, stronger armor for added protection, and reduced maintenance needs. Additionally, the SEPv3 features an ammo data link to interface with advanced ammunition, further strengthening its combat effectiveness. This version is also capable of utilizing the latest programmable ammunition, providing an advanced edge in modern warfare.

In recent years, Poland has invested in the most advanced tanks to maintain its military strength as a deterrent against Russian aggression. With over 1,800 Main Battle Tanks set to be in service soon, Poland’s armored forces will become one of the largest, most diverse, and technologically advanced in Europe.

Poland has made significant investments in U.S. defense equipment, including M1A1 and A2 Abrams tanks, F-35 Lightning aircraft, and MIM-104 Patriot missile defense systems. These upgrades have solidified Poland’s role as a proactive NATO member and one of the few to recently boost its military GDP.