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America’s Next Super Tank: Army Gears Industry for Abrams M1E3 Production
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![Photo of Vlad Litnarovych]( "Photo of Vlad Litnarovych")
The US Army has begun shaping the industrial base that will eventually produce its future Abrams M1E3 tank, a platform intended to combine heavy armor protection with advanced digital integration and long-term survivability in high-intensity wars, Defence Blog reported on September 2.
According to the outlet, the Army issued a wide-ranging request for information to American defense contractors, outlining what it will take to support serial production of the M1E3.
(I might as well get this low hanging fruit out of the way) Todays odd tank is the GDLS Abrams X tech demonstrator. The gun is still a 120mm, but it is lighter weight cannon. Also the remote weapon station on top is a 30mm auto cannon. pic.twitter.com/EyNgQq73an
— The Odd Tank Poster (@KrypTanko) May 6, 2023
The document calls for companies to demonstrate proven capacity in tracked vehicle manufacturing, as well as specialized facilities ranging from powertrain test labs and armor fabrication shops to paint lines, warehouses, and logistics hubs.
Unlike earlier modernization efforts, the M1E3 is envisioned as a fundamentally new step forward, Defence Blog notes.
The Army listed requirements covering production of electronic systems, battle management hardware, predictive maintenance technologies, advanced fire-control sights, stabilization systems, and laser applications.
In short, the service wants a tank fully capable of operating as part of an integrated, digital command-and-control network, Defence Blog wrote.
Prospective contractors must show they can manage configuration changes, track vehicles by serial number, and comply with strict Pentagon standards.
They are also being asked to demonstrate the ability to handle classified materials and operate facilities cleared for Special Access Programs.
M1 Abrams – Destructive power that spreads fear.
— Jürgen Nauditt 🇩🇪🇺🇦 (@jurgen_nauditt) May 21, 2025
russian propaganda claimed the Abrams was "too heavy and would get stuck in a swamp." But the fighters of the 47th Magura Brigade refute this nonsense: The Abrams is maneuverable, fast, and precise.
Equipped with laser… pic.twitter.com/uyq6LoOp7T
Many of the technologies first showcased in the Abrams X demonstrator are expected to make their way into the M1E3 production model.
The Army has described the goal as achieving a balance between firepower, mobility, and protection—while reducing sustainment costs and ensuring the tank can thrive in contested environments against near-peer adversaries.
Earlier, A 22-year-old US Army soldier stationed at Fort Bliss was arrested for attempting to pass sensitive military information to Russian intelligence in exchange for citizenship.
