Exclusive Sneak Peek: The U.S. Army’s Game-Changing M1E3 Abrams Tank Revealed

 ARGUNNERS 

"Delivered by General Dynamics Land Systems (GLDS) in December 2025, the prototype is not a finalized version but rather a technology demonstrator designed to begin a comprehensive testing phase in early 2026. A public display is expected at the Detroit Auto Show shortly after testing begins."

. . . "A Shift in the Abrams Modernization Strategy

"The development of the M1E3 is part of the U.S. Army’s broader effort to accelerate the Abrams modernization program. This shift follows a decision made in September 2023 to move away from the incremental System Enhancement Packages (SEPs) previously planned for the M1A2 SEPv4. Instead, the Army has opted for a more comprehensive redesign aimed at future-proofing the Abrams series for the next generation of battlefield technologies.

"According to Army Recognition, four M1E3 prototypes are expected to be deployed within U.S. Army formations by 2026, marking a significant reduction from the previous timeline of roughly 65 months. This accelerated schedule reflects the Army’s push to gather real-world feedback from tank crews on crew layout, gun handling, and ergonomics." . . .

About the namesake of the tank, the Abrams:

Colonel Creighton Abrams at the Battle of the Bulge - Warfare History Network  

"Colonel Abrams himself had just become one of the heroes of the Battle of the Bulge, along with Brigadier General Anthony C. McAuliffe, deputy commander of the 101st Airborne Division, who had replied “Nuts!” to a German surrender ultimatum on December 22, General Patton, who had moved an entire corps 90 degrees to the left flank of the Bulge in one of the most brilliant maneuvers of World War II, and many other officers and enlisted men who distinguished themselves in the biggest winter campaign in U.S. Army history.

"Captain Abe Baum of the 4th Armored Division said of Abrams, “He was sincere, honest, didn’t speak down to people. In eight or 10 words, he could put more emphasis than someone who spoke for an hour. He led his troops. He didn’t have a headquarters out there in his lead tank. Instead, he was another gun in the tank.”

"Patton said, “I’m supposed to be the best tank commander in the Army, but I have one peer, Abe Abrams. He’s the world champion.”

Pictured: Col. Abrams lead tank, "Cobra King".