| Vehicle Name | M1A2 Abrams SEPv3 |
| Type / Role | Main Battle Tank (MBT) |
| Manufacturer | General Dynamics Land Systems |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| In Service | Yes |
| Year Introduced | 2017 (upgrade) |
| Unit Cost | USD 9.0 million |
| Crew | 4 (Commander, Gunner, Loader, Driver) |
| Length (Gun Forward) | 9.77 m |
| Width | 3.66 m |
| Height | 2.44 m |
| Weight | 66.8 tons |
| Ground Clearance | 0.48 m |
| Chassis Material | Composite Armor / Steel Base |
| Engine Type | Gas Turbine / Diesel Engine |
| Engine Power | 1,500 hp |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio | 22.4 hp/ton |
| Transmission | Automatic (Cross-Drive) |
| Maximum Speed (Road) | 67 km/h |
| Maximum Speed (Off-Road) | 40 km/h |
| Operational Range | 425 km |
| Suspension Type | Torsion Bar / Hydropneumatic |
| Main Gun | 120 mm M256 Smoothbore |
| Ammunition Capacity | 42 rounds |
| Secondary Armament | 1 × 12.7mm M2HB MG, 2 × 7.62mm MG |
| Gun Elevation/Depression | +20° / -10° |
| Fire Control System | Computerized Digital FCS |
| Stabilization | Dual-Axis Gun Stabilizer |
| Rate of Fire | 6–8 rounds per minute |
| Armor Type | Chobham Composite / Depleted Uranium |
| Reactive Armor | Optional ERA Modules |
| Active Protection System (APS) | Trophy APS / Arena-M |
| NBC Protection | Yes |
| Smoke Grenade Launchers | 2 × 6-barrel launchers |
| Fire Suppression System | Automatic |
| Mine Protection | Reinforced Belly Armor |
| Maximum Gradient | 60% |
| Side Slope | 40% |
| Trench Crossing | 2.7 m |
| Vertical Obstacle | 1.2 m |
| Fording Depth | 1.2 m (2 m with preparation) |
| Turning Radius | Neutral Turn |
| Amphibious Capability | No / Optional Kits |
| Fire Control Computer | Yes |
| Thermal Imaging | Commander & Gunner |
| Night Vision | Infrared / NVG |
| Laser Rangefinder | Yes |
| Ballistic Computer | Yes |
| Communication System | Secure Tactical Radio |
| Battlefield Management System | Optional |
| Service Branch | U.S. Army |
| Primary Operator | USA, Egypt, Kuwait, Poland |
| Combat Experience | Iraq, Afghanistan |
| Upgrade Packages | SEPv3, SEPv4 |
| Export Status | Approved for Allies |
| Production Status | Active |
The M1A2 Abrams SEPv3 (System Enhancement Package Version 3) represents the latest evolution of the iconic American Abrams main battle tank, designed and produced by General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS). Introduced in 2017, the SEPv3 is a significant modernization of the Abrams platform—integrating advanced armor, networked electronics, and increased power efficiency to maintain battlefield dominance in modern and future conflicts.
Built upon the battle-proven M1A2 chassis, the SEPv3 introduces upgraded Chobham composite armor with depleted uranium layers and the optional Trophy Active Protection System (APS) for intercepting incoming anti-tank missiles. Its 120mm M256 smoothbore cannon remains the tank’s primary weapon, capable of firing a wide range of NATO-standard ammunition, including advanced kinetic penetrators and programmable airburst rounds.
Secondary armament includes a .50-cal M2HB machine gun and two 7.62mm machine guns, enabling both anti-personnel and light-armor engagement. The digital fire control system ensures precision targeting in all weather and lighting conditions, assisted by thermal imaging and laser rangefinding capabilities.
Powered by a 1,500 hp Honeywell AGT1500 gas turbine engine, the Abrams SEPv3 offers impressive agility despite its 66.8-ton weight. It reaches up to 67 km/h on roads and can operate across difficult terrain, steep gradients, and trenches. Improvements to fuel efficiency, electrical power generation, and onboard diagnostics enhance reliability and reduce logistical strain during sustained operations.
The SEPv3 introduces advanced networking and communication suites, allowing seamless integration into joint U.S. and allied digital command networks. Enhanced cybersecurity measures, improved situational awareness, and a modular electronic architecture ensure the tank remains adaptable for future SEPv4 upgrades.
Overall, the M1A2 Abrams SEPv3 remains the backbone of the U.S. Army’s armored forces, designed to ensure superiority against near-peer adversaries across multi-domain battlefields.
The unit cost for the M1A2 Abrams SEPv3 in recent export contracts is approximately US $24 million per tank.
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