New Tanks M1A2 SEP v3 Arrive in Townsville

28 November 2024

14 M1A2 SEP v3 tanks arrived in 2nd Cavalry Regiment (all photos: Aus DoD)

Just three months after arriving on Australia shores, the first of the newly acquired M1A2 system enhanced program v3 (SEP v3) main battle tanks have been rolled out to 3rd Brigade.

The 2nd Cavalry Regiment received four out of the regiment’s assigned 14 tanks on November 14, with the rest to be delivered by the end of 2025.

The new tanks are essential for the Army’s combined arms fighting system and will enable land forces to control key strategic positions.

Officer Commanding C Squadron Major Trent Lam said the new tank had increased firepower protection and mobility when compared to the M1A1 Abrams main battle tank.

“It has the ability to employ its weapon systems to a greater degree and provides additional weapon systems that can now fire on the move,” Major Lam said.

The tank also features a commander’s independent thermal viewer and improved situation awareness systems that provide the crew with enhanced visibility and threat detection.

“This enables both the commander and gunner to be looking in two separate locations,” Major Lam said.

It is also equipped with advanced fire control systems, including a digital ballistic computer, laser range finder and thermal imaging sights, allowing for effective targeting and engagement of enemy.

“The regiment now has additional ability to identify targets and then prosecute those targets in support of 3rd Brigade’s mission,” Major Lam said.

Major Lam said the tank’s capabilities made it a formidable asset on the battlefield, effectively combining fire power, protections and mobility.

“We’re feeling really positive. It’s sort of a new-car feeling; a new piece of equipment, which we can now use on exercise,” he said.

The tanks will be incorporated in field training early in the new year. 

(Aus DoD)