Abrams Tank [2023]: All you need to know

The Abrams is an American main battle tank, considered to be one of the most powerful tanks in the world. On January 25, 2023, U.S. President Joe Biden announced the provision of 31 M1 Abrams tanks to equip an entire Ukrainian tank battalion. This will be a game changer for Ukraine, as Abrams tanks are more powerful than the Soviet-era tanks currently operated by both Russia and Ukraine. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about the Abrams Tank.

What is so special about the Abrams tank?

The M-1 Abrams tank has a strong 1,500-horsepower engine. It also has a powerful 120 mm main gun and special armor. It can maneuver under fire and destroy enemy armored forces on the battlefield by means of mobility, survivability, and firepower.

Who is General Creighton Abrams, and why is the Abrams tank named after him?

The Abrams tank is named after General Creighton Abrams, a renowned World War II armored battalion commander who also held the position of US Army Chief of Staff from 1972 to 1974.

The history of the Abrams tanks

The M-1 program started in December 1971. In June 1973, the Army granted two contracts for prototype development to Chrysler Corporation’s Defense Division (later known as General Dynamics Land Systems [GDLS]) and General Motors’ Detroit Diesel Allison Division. GDLS was awarded a contract for the M-1A2 version in 1988, and the first M1A2 tanks were put into service in late 1992. The M-1A2 serves as the standard export model, with different armor and communication packages available for export versions. The United States has sold M-1A1 and M-1A2 variants to countries such as Australia, Egypt, Iraq, Morocco, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. [ Source: Congressional Research Service]

Since the end of the Cold War, the U.S. has not constructed new Abrams tanks. Instead, many of the Abrams tanks originally built for combat against the Soviet Union were placed in storage. Nowadays, General Dynamics, a defense contractor, refurbishes Abrams tank hulls in Lima, Ohio. The U.S. draws from its stockpile of stored tanks and remanufactures them to support allies like Poland.

How many Abrams tanks does the US have?

As of 2023, M-1 Abrams tanks are the main weapon in US Armored Brigade Combat Teams (ABCTs). Currently, the Active Army has 11 ABCTs, and the Army National Guard has 5 ABCTs. Each ABCT has 87 M-1 Abrams tanks.

Therefore, the US Armored Brigade Combat Teams currently operate approximately 1,400 M-1 Abrams tanks. [ Source: Congressional Research Service]

The United States currently possesses approximately 8,000 Abrams tanks. However, it’s important to note that not all of them are battle-ready. 

How much does an Abrams tank cost?

According to Reuters, the cost of each Abrams tank exceeds $10 million when factoring in training and maintenance expenses. 

Do Abrams Tanks have AC? 

Abrams tanks don’t have air conditioning facilities for the crew. In fact, modern tanks like the Abrams avoid this feature to reduce strain on the battery. However, the latest Abrams models have a thermal management system to keep computers cool in the desert.

Can Russian tanks defeat Abrams?

While the tanks used by Russia today are essentially updated versions of their Soviet-designed predecessors, it’s worth noting that during the 1991 Gulf War,  Abrams tanks demonstrated superior lethality compared to Soviet-designed tanks. These tanks were capable of hitting and defeating Russian tanks from a greater distance, thanks to their advanced technology and weaponry. Additionally, in close combat scenarios, the Abrams tanks outmaneuver Russian tanks due to their superior mobility and speed.

Is the Abrams tank better than Russian tanks?

T-14 Armata is considered to be the most advanced Russian tank. Russia has begun using the battle tank in the Ukraine War. However, Reuters reported citing British military intelligence that the Russian forces in Ukraine were reluctant to employ the first batch of  T-14 tanks due to their poor conditions.  On the other hand, the Abrams has a proven track record, having performed well in many wars. Therefore, in terms of war experience, Abrams tanks are better than Russian tanks. However, T-14 Armata has the advantage of crew protection and survivability over Abrams. The crew can sit in a safe, armored room at the front of the tank and control the unmanned turret from there using remote control.

Different versions of Abrams 

The M1 Abrams made its debut in the early 1980s, designed to replace the aging M60 Patton. Decades later, it remains a formidable presence in the arsenals of numerous countries worldwide. Among the various iterations of the Abrams, the M1A1 version stands out as a significant advancement.

The M1A1 Abrams boasts a more potent arsenal with its 120mm main gun, a considerable upgrade from the 105mm gun found on the basic version. This enhancement significantly augments its firepower, making it even more effective in combat scenarios. Additionally, the M1A1 incorporates anti-blast panels for increased crew protection and features a storage trunk positioned at the rear of the turret, enhancing its logistical capabilities.

This tank is heavyweight, tipping the scales at 55 tons, and it’s powered by a robust 1500hp engine. Its impressive power-to-weight ratio enables it to achieve a top speed of 72 kilometers per hour, showcasing remarkable mobility for a vehicle of its size and firepower. The M1A1 Abrams exemplifies the ongoing commitment to innovation in armored warfare, ensuring its continued relevance on modern battlefields.

What is the Abrams X Tank?

Abrams X is a significant advancement in the design of existing Abrams. In October 2022, GDLS (General Dynamics Land Systems) unveiled the Abrams X Technology Demonstrator.  The Abrams X introduces several key features aimed at enhancing military capabilities. Notably, it achieves a 10-ton reduction in weight compared to the current M-1 Abrams, improving mobility and operational flexibility. Its hybrid electric diesel engine boasts a remarkable 50% increase in fuel efficiency, extending operational range while reducing logistical demands.

One of its groundbreaking features is an unmanned turret, reducing the crew requirement from four to three soldiers, thereby enhancing crew safety and operational efficiency. Furthermore, the tank features enhanced armor to counter modern battlefield threats, such as drone-dropped bombs.

The Abrams X also excels in communication capabilities, enabling seamless interaction with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Its onboard AI system enhances situational awareness by alerting the crew to long-range threats and efficiently prioritizing engagements against multiple adversaries.

[ Source: Congressional Research Service]

What is the M-1E3 Abrams? 

The M-1E3 Abrams is a fifth-generation combat vehicle, representing a significant advancement over the previous Abrams tanks. It boasts groundbreaking capabilities and incorporates cutting-edge technology. This transformation was officially set in motion on September 6, 2023, when the U.S. Army announced its decision to conclude the M-1A2 SEPv4 program and initiate the development of the M-1E3 Abrams.

The Army’s FY2025 budget proposal, presented to the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), includes funding requests aimed at commencing the design phase of the M-1E3. While the precise requirements for the M-1E3 have not yet been made public, a pivotal influence came from a 2019 Army Science Board study focused on future tank development.

The envisioned capabilities of the M-1E3 encompass a hybrid electric drive for enhanced efficiency, an autoloader, and an advanced main gun. It also introduces cutting-edge munitions like maneuvering hypersonic and gun-launched anti-tank guided missiles, integrated armor for enhanced protection, and advanced command, control, and networking features. Furthermore, it incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) applications, the ability to collaborate with robotic vehicles, and advanced masking capabilities to reduce thermal and electromagnetic signatures.

What are the weaknesses of Abrams? 

The Abrams tank, a powerful machine, has some weaknesses. It’s heavy and fast, but it drinks up a lot of fuel and needs frequent refueling. After refilling, it can zoom quickly, but it doesn’t go very far on a tank of fuel. Additionally, the tank’s engine is vulnerable to dust and dirt. In dusty places, the engine might not work well, which can be a problem.