The Australian Army recently received a batch of M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks (MBTs) that have received the SEPv3 (Systems Enhancement Package Version 3). The first of the enhanced tanks arrived in September for testing, and an additional four of the planned fourteen MBTs were now delivered to the 3rd Brigade headquarters at Lavarack Barracks, Townsville in Queensland. According to the Australian Ministry of Defense (MoD), the tanks were delivered two weeks earlier than expected. 

The remaining ten M1A2s of this batch are set to be delivered by the end of 2024, and in total Canberra will receive seventy-five of the modernized American-made tanks. The tanks will be operated from multiple bases, including Townsville, but also Puckapunyal and Bandiana in Victoria. 

Advanced and Modernized Tanks 

Though the M1 Abrams first entered service more than forty years ago, the tanks that have recently arrived in the Land Down Under are significantly more advanced, as they've been outfitted with the SEPv3, which was developed by General Dynamics Land Systems Inc. 

This new configuration features an ammunition datalink, improvements in ammunition, a forward-looking infrared system, a low-profile common remotely operated weapon system, a new auxiliary power unit, and a new vehicle health management system intended to reduce maintenance costs. 

According to the Australian Army, the MBTs are also equipped with an "onboard digital fire control computer," that can allow the "gunner to 'point and shoot' to engage targets." This new enhancement complements the MBT's advanced sensor suite, which further "allows the Abrams to engage targets at extended ranges, day or night, even in adverse weather conditions." 

Older Aussie M1s Heading to Ukraine 

The delivery of the new vehicles will allow Canberra to transfer fifty of its older M1A1 MBTs to Ukraine, as part of its "steadfast support" to Kyiv. 

"This will bolster the Armed Forces of Ukraine in its fight against Russia's illegal and immoral invasion," the Australian government announced in October. "This latest package, valued at approximately $245 million, will add to the Armed Forces of Ukraine's firepower and mobility, and complement partners’ support for Ukraine's armored brigades." 

It will mark a baptism of fire for the Australian M1s as none had been used in combat. 

The transfer of the tanks from Australia to Ukraine did require approval from Washington due to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), even though the Biden Administration had already provided Kyiv with thirty-one of the same model tanks last year. 

Australia has maintained a small number of its older tanks, reportedly around ten, which are to be retained during the transition period for training and testing purposes. It has been speculated that as the additional upgraded M1A2s arrive, those older M1A1s could be shipped to Ukraine. 

The first of the former Australian Army's Abrams is expected to arrive in Ukraine before the end of the year. 

Peter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer. He has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers, and websites with over 3,200 published pieces over a twenty-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: at [email protected]. 

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