Australia approved to acquire latest M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks, support vehicle fleet

The M1A2 SEPv3, called the M1A2C in the US Army. Photo c/o US Army through Defence Blog.


The US State Department has approved the possible sale of Heavy Armored Combat Systems to the Australian government under a US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program estimated to be worth US$1.685 billion.


The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has also notified the US Congress of the possible sale.


The request made by Australia includes 75 M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams main battle tanks, 29 M1150 Assault Breacher vehicles, 18 M1074 Joint Assault Bridges, 6 M88A2 Hercules Combat Recovery Vehicles, and 122 AGT1500 gas turbine engines.


The deal also includes the development of a unique armor package, Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station Low Profile (CROWS-LP), Driver’s Vision Enhancer, mission equipment and special tools and test equipment, ground support equipment, system and engine spare parts, technical data, publications, Modified Work Orders/Engineering Change Proposals, US government and contractor technical and logistics assistance, quality assurance teams, transportation services, program management, New Equipment Training, and other related equipment of logistical and program support.


According to the DSCA, this proposed sale will improve Australia’s capability to meet current and future threats by enhancing the lethality, survivability, and interoperability of the Australian Army, for homeland defense and deter regional threats.


The new tanks will replace the Australian Army’s existing fleet of M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks, without changes in the force structure of the Royal Australian Armoured Corps. 


The additional M88A2 will allow for improved recovery support, while the M1150 Assault Breacher Vehicle and M1074 Joint Assault Bridges are new capabilities to increase the effectiveness and survivability of the combat engineering units to support the armored fleet.


The project to improve the armored capabilities are part of the Australian Army’s LAND 907 Phase 2 program.





[1] US Defense Security Cooperation Agency

[2] Defence Blog

[3] Defense News


Australia approved to acquire latest M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks, support vehicle fleet Australia approved to acquire latest M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks, support vehicle fleet Reviewed by Asia Pacific Defense Journal on May 04, 2021 Rating: 5

No comments