Breathe, frog. These are export versions of the M1A1 (which first rolled out in 1985) that contain nothing classified. It would indeed be time to panic if these were the M1A2 SEP v3 (System Enhancement Package version 3). Instead these are likely refurbs from the Iraq war. These are not the M1A2, our most advanced tank. The most important differences between the M1A1 and M1A2 tanks include:
Fire Control System: The M1A2 features an improved fire control system compared to the M1A1, offering enhanced target acquisition and engagement capabilities.
Armor: The M1A2 has upgraded armor protection, including the incorporation of depleted uranium layers, providing better protection against enemy fire.
Commander's Independent Thermal Viewer (CITV): The M1A2 is equipped with a CITV, allowing the tank commander to scan for targets independently of the gunner's sight, a feature not present in the M1A1.
Digital Systems: The M1A2 includes advanced digital systems and battlefield management systems, improving communication and coordination with other units, which the M1A1 lacks.
Situational Awareness: Enhanced situational awareness in the M1A2 is achieved through better computer systems and software, providing a significant advantage over the M1A1 in modern combat scenarios.
These tanks are sitting ducks compared to modern Russian AT weapons and shall be opened like the tins of anchovies on wheels that they are here very shortly. The M1A1 is severely outclassed on the Ukraine battlefield. What we see in today's Ukraine is a battlefield packed with entrenched positions, smart artillery, drones, and next-gen anti-tank missiles, the M1A1 Abrams tank would find itself in a tight spot, but it's not all doom and gloom:
AT Missiles & Artillery: These modern beasties are a real threat to the M1A1. Its tough armor is good, but some of those missiles can punch through like a hot knife through butter.
Drones: These flying pests can spot tanks for artillery or take a direct hit approach. The M1A1 isn't built to swat flies, so it's a bit of a sitting duck here.
Entrenched Warfare: Mobility's a big deal for tanks, but in a dug-in fight, that advantage kinda evaporates. The M1A1, like any tank, would rather not play hide and seek with entrenched enemies.
Surviving the High-Tech Onslaught: It's all about teamwork on the modern field. The M1A1 needs buddies—infantry, air support, you name it—to watch its back against those AT missiles and drones. Without some serious tech upgrades, including active protection systems, it's going to have a rough time.
Logistics & Support: Keeping these beasts rolling and in fighting shape demands a serious behind-the-scenes effort, especially when every other weapon on the battlefield is designed to take them out.
You can see the super-thin armour that tops this tank here at this link. They are sitting ducks:
Bottom line, the M1A1 is a tough old bruiser, but against today's high-tech warfare, it'd need a serious makeover to keep up with the threats and stay relevant.
Breathe, frog. These are export versions of the M1A1 (which first rolled out in 1985) that contain nothing classified. It would indeed be time to panic if these were the M1A2 SEP v3 (System Enhancement Package version 3). Instead these are likely refurbs from the Iraq war. These are not the M1A2, our most advanced tank. The most important differences between the M1A1 and M1A2 tanks include:
Fire Control System: The M1A2 features an improved fire control system compared to the M1A1, offering enhanced target acquisition and engagement capabilities.
Armor: The M1A2 has upgraded armor protection, including the incorporation of depleted uranium layers, providing better protection against enemy fire.
Commander's Independent Thermal Viewer (CITV): The M1A2 is equipped with a CITV, allowing the tank commander to scan for targets independently of the gunner's sight, a feature not present in the M1A1.
Digital Systems: The M1A2 includes advanced digital systems and battlefield management systems, improving communication and coordination with other units, which the M1A1 lacks.
Situational Awareness: Enhanced situational awareness in the M1A2 is achieved through better computer systems and software, providing a significant advantage over the M1A1 in modern combat scenarios.
These tanks are sitting ducks compared to modern Russian AT weapons and shall be opened like the tins of anchovies on wheels that they are here very shortly. The M1A1 is severely outclassed on the Ukraine battlefield. What we see in today's Ukraine is a battlefield packed with entrenched positions, smart artillery, drones, and next-gen anti-tank missiles, the M1A1 Abrams tank would find itself in a tight spot, but it's not all doom and gloom:
AT Missiles & Artillery: These modern beasties are a real threat to the M1A1. Its tough armor is good, but some of those missiles can punch through like a hot knife through butter.
Drones: These flying pests can spot tanks for artillery or take a direct hit approach. The M1A1 isn't built to swat flies, so it's a bit of a sitting duck here.
Entrenched Warfare: Mobility's a big deal for tanks, but in a dug-in fight, that advantage kinda evaporates. The M1A1, like any tank, would rather not play hide and seek with entrenched enemies.
Surviving the High-Tech Onslaught: It's all about teamwork on the modern field. The M1A1 needs buddies—infantry, air support, you name it—to watch its back against those AT missiles and drones. Without some serious tech upgrades, including active protection systems, it's going to have a rough time.
Logistics & Support: Keeping these beasts rolling and in fighting shape demands a serious behind-the-scenes effort, especially when every other weapon on the battlefield is designed to take them out.
You can see the super-thin armour that tops this tank here at this link. They are sitting ducks:
https://twitter.com/Pion_2S7/status/1741341456747331628
Bottom line, the M1A1 is a tough old bruiser, but against today's high-tech warfare, it'd need a serious makeover to keep up with the threats and stay relevant.