View source for M1 Abrams

{{Short description|American third-generation main battle tank}}
{{Redirect|M1 tank|the early 20th century light tank|M1 Combat Car}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019}}
{{stack}}
{{Infobox weapon
| name               = M1 Abrams
| image              = M1A2 SEP v3.jpg
| image_size         = 300px
| alt                = 
| caption            = A U.S. Army M1A2 SEPv3 conducting training in Poland in 2024.
| origin             = United States
| type               = [[Main battle tank]]
| is_artillery       = yes
| is_vehicle         = yes
| service            = 1980–present
| used_by            = See [[#Operators|Operators]] below
| wars               = {{Tree list}}
*[[Cold War]]
**[[Gulf War]]
**[[United Nations Operation in Somalia II|UNOSOM II]]
*[[Yugoslav Wars]]
**[[Implementation Force|Operation Joint Endeavour]]
**[[Stabilisation Force in Bosnia and Herzegovina|Operation Joint Guard]]
**[[Kosovo War]]
***[[Task Force Hawk]]
***[[Kosovo Force|Operation Joint Guardian]]
*[[War on Terror|Global War on Terrorism]]
**[[War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)|War in Afghanistan]]
**[[Iraq War]]
**[[War in Iraq (2013–2017)|War in Iraq]]
*[[Arab Spring]]
**[[2011 Egyptian revolution|Egyptian Revolution of 2011]]
*[[Yemeni Civil War (2014–present)]]
**[[Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen]]
*[[Russo-Ukrainian War]]
**[[Russian invasion of Ukraine]]
{{Tree list/end}}
| designer           = [[Chrysler Defense]] (now [[General Dynamics Land Systems]])
| design_date        = 1972–1976
| manufacturer       = [[Lima Army Tank Plant]] (since 1980)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rader |first=Craig |date=2017-05-30 |title=Factory tour shows how an Abrams comes to life |url= https://www.dla.mil/About-DLA/News/Energy/Article/1196533/factory-tour-shows-how-an-abrams-comes-to-life/ |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230121203113/https://www.dla.mil/About-DLA/News/Energy/Article/1196533/factory-tour-shows-how-an-abrams-comes-to-life/ |archive-date=2023-01-21 |access-date=2023-05-27 |website=[[Defense Logistics Agency]] |language=en-US}}</ref><br />[[Detroit Arsenal Tank Plant]] (1978, 1982–1991)<br />Egyptian Defense Company Tank Plant{{citation needed|date=April 2025}}
| unit_cost          = '''M1A1:''' $4.3 million (domestic cost, FY1989) (~$10.66 million, FY2023)<ref name="pogo.org">{{Cite web |date=1990-01-01 |title=The Army's M1 Tank: Has It Lived Up To Expectations? |url= https://www.pogo.org/report/1990/01/armys-m1-tank-has-it-lived-up-to-expectations |access-date=2023-09-01 |website=Project On Government Oversight |language=en-US}}</ref><br />'''M1A2 SEPv3:''' $24 million (export cost, FY2022)<ref>{{cite news |last=Mizokami |first=Kyle |date= July 15, 2021 |title=Poland Just Bought America's M1 Abrams Tank. That's Ironic |work= Popular mechanics |url= https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/weapons/a37026843/poland-buys-us-m1a2-abrams-main-battle-tank/ |archive-date=22 July 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210722062044/https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/weapons/a37026843/poland-buys-us-m1a2-abrams-main-battle-tank/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
| production_date    = 1979–present
| number             = approx. 10,300 as of 2017<ref>{{cite web |publisher= Deagel |url= http://www.deagel.com/Armored-Vehicles/M1A2-Abrams_a000516003.aspx |title= M1A2 Abrams |access-date=12 December 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171213095546/http://www.deagel.com/Armored-Vehicles/M1A2-Abrams_a000516003.aspx |archive-date=13 December 2017}}</ref>
| variants           = See [[M1 Assault Breacher Vehicle|variants]]
| mass               = M1: {{convert|60|ST|t|lk=on}}{{sfn|Hunnicutt|2015|p= 306}}<br />M1A1: {{convert|63|ST|t|abbr=on}}{{sfn|Hunnicutt|2015|p= 306}}<br />M1A1 SA: {{convert|67.6|ST|t|abbr=on}}<br />M1A2 SEPv2: {{convert|71.2|ST|t|abbr=on}}<br />M1A2 SEPv3: {{convert|73.6|ST|t|abbr=on}}<ref name="ASAALT2018">{{cite web |title=ASAALT Weapon Systems Handbook 2018 |url=https://api.army.mil/e2/c/downloads/533115.pdf |publisher=Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics and Technology) |access-date=19 October 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181019121934/https://www.army.mil/e2/c/downloads/533115.pdf |archive-date=19 October 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| length             = Gun forward: {{convert|32.04|ft|m|2|abbr=on}}<ref name="factfile">{{cite web |url= http://www.army.mil/factfiles/equipment/tracked/abrams.html |title=Abrams Tank Fact File for the United States Army |publisher=United States Army |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131115181622/http://www.army.mil/factfiles/equipment/tracked/abrams.html |archive-date=15 November 2013 |access-date=16 November 2015}}</ref><br />Hull length: {{convert|26.02|ft|m|2|abbr=on}}
| width              = {{convert|12|ft|m|2|abbr=on}}<ref name="factfile" />
| height             = {{convert|8|ft|m|2|abbr=on}}<ref name="factfile" />
| crew               = 4 (commander, gunner, loader, driver)
| elevation          = +20° / −10°{{sfn|Hunnicutt|2015|p=306}}
| traverse           = 9 seconds/360 degrees{{sfn|Hunnicutt|2015|p=306}}
| armour             = [[Composite armor]]
| primary_armament   = M1: 105&nbsp;mm L/52 [[M68 (tank gun)|M68A1]] [[Rifling|rifled]] gun (55 rounds)<br />M1A1+M1A2: 120&nbsp;mm L/44 [[M256 (tank gun)|M256]] [[smoothbore]] gun (40 rounds)
| secondary_armament = 1 × 0.50 caliber (12.7&nbsp;mm) [[M2 Browning|M2HB]] [[heavy machine gun]] with 900 rounds<br />2 × [[7.62×51mm NATO|7.62&nbsp;mm (.308 in)]] [[M240 machine gun|M240]] [[machine gun]]s with 10,400 rounds (1 [[Pintle mount|pintle-mounted]], 1 [[Coaxial mount|coaxial]])
| engine             = [[Honeywell AGT1500]] multi-fuel [[Gas turbine|turbine engine]]
| engine_power       = 1,500&nbsp;[[shaft horsepower|shp]] (1,120&nbsp;kW)
| pw_ratio           = From 26.9&nbsp;hp/t (20.05&nbsp;kW/t) to 23.8&nbsp;hp/t (17.74&nbsp;kW/t)
| transmission       = Allison DDA X-1100-3B
| suspension         = [[Torsion bar suspension|High-hardness-steel torsion bars]] with rotary shock absorbers
| clearance          = M1, M1A1: {{convert|0.48|m|ft in|abbr=on}}<br />M1A2: {{convert|0.43|m|abbr=on}}
| fuel_capacity      = {{convert|504.4|USgal|L}}
| vehicle_range      = M1A2, road: {{convert|426|km|abbr=on|order=flip}}<br />Cross country: {{convert|150-200|km|mi|abbr=on|order=flip}}<ref name=JaneAA-162>{{cite book |last=Foss |first=Chris |title=Jane's Armour and Artillery 2005–2006 |year=2005 |url= https://archive.org/details/mainbattletanksl00cffo |url-access=limited |isbn=0-7106-2686-X |publisher=[[Jane's Information Group]] |page= [https://archive.org/details/mainbattletanksl00cffo/page/n160 162]}}</ref>
| speed              = M1A1, road: {{convert|45|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} (governed);<br />M1A2, road: {{convert|67|km/h|mph|abbr=on|order=flip}} (governed);<br />Off-road: {{convert|40|km/h|mph|abbr=on|order=flip}}<ref name=JaneAA-162 />
}}

The '''M1 Abrams''' ({{IPAc-en|'|ei|b|r|@|m|z}})<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Abrams |title=Abrams tank |dictionary=Merriam-Webster |access-date=7 February 2023}}</ref> is a [[List of main battle tanks by generation|third-generation]] American [[main battle tank]] designed by [[Chrysler Defense]] (now [[General Dynamics Land Systems]]) and named for General [[Creighton Abrams]]. Conceived for modern [[Armoured warfare|armored ground warfare]], it is one of the heaviest tanks in service at nearly {{convert|73.6|ST|t|lk=on|sp=us|abbr= off}}. It introduced several modern technologies to the United States armored forces, including a [[multifuel]] [[gas turbine|turbine engine]], sophisticated [[Chobham armour|Chobham]] [[composite armor]], a computer fire control system, separate ammunition storage in a [[Blowout panel|blowout compartment]], and [[CBRN defense|NBC protection]] for crew safety. Initial models of the M1 were armed with a [[105 mm calibre|105&nbsp;mm]] [[M68 (tank gun)|M68]] gun, while later variants feature a license-produced [[Rheinmetall Rh-120|Rheinmetall 120&nbsp;mm L/44]] designated [[M256 (tank gun)|M256]].

The M1 Abrams was developed from the failed joint American-[[West Germany|West German]] [[MBT-70]] project that intended to replace the dated [[M60 tank]]. There are three main operational Abrams versions: the M1, '''M1A1''', and '''M1A2''', with each new iteration seeing improvements in armament, protection, and electronics.<ref>{{citation |first=Dave |last=Majumdar |title=Inside the US Army's Lethal New M1A2 SEP v.3 Abrams Main Battle Tank |url= http://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/inside-the-us-armys-lethal-new-m1a2-sep-v3-abrams-main-16445 |work=[[The National Interest]] |date=2 June 2016 |access-date=18 October 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171018190927/http://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/inside-the-us-armys-lethal-new-m1a2-sep-v3-abrams-main-16445 |archive-date=18 October 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>

The Abrams was to be replaced in U.S. Army service by the [[Future Combat Systems Manned Ground Vehicles#Mounted Combat System|XM1202 Mounted Combat System]], but following the project's cancellation, the Army opted to continue maintaining and operating the M1 series for the foreseeable future by upgrading optics, armor, and firepower.

The M1 Abrams entered service in 1980 and serves as the main battle tank of the [[United States Army]], and formerly of the [[United States Marine Corps|U.S. Marine Corps]] (USMC) until the decommissioning of all USMC tank battalions in 2021. The export modification is used by the armed forces of [[Egyptian Army|Egypt]], [[Kuwait Army|Kuwait]], [[Saudi Arabian Army|Saudi Arabia]], [[Australian Army|Australia]], [[Polish Land Forces|Poland]] and [[Iraqi Army|Iraq]]. The Abrams was first used in combat by the U.S. in the [[Gulf War]]. It was later deployed by the U.S. in the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–14)|War in Afghanistan]] and the [[Iraq War]], as well as by Iraq in the [[War in Iraq (2013–2017)|war against the Islamic State]], Saudi Arabia in the [[Yemeni Civil War (2014–present)|Yemeni Civil War]], and [[Ukraine]] during the [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]].

==History==
{{main|History of the M1 Abrams}}

===Previous developments===
{{main|MBT-70}}
[[File:MBT-70 1.JPG|thumb|MBT-70 (German: Kampfpanzer 70)]]
In 1963, the [[U.S. Army]] and the West German [[Bundeswehr]] began collaborating on a [[main battle tank]] (MBT) design that both nations would use, improving interoperability between the two [[NATO]] partners.<ref name="Jane's 1969" >{{cite book |editor1-last=Pretty |editor1-first=R. T. |editor2-last=Archer |editor2-first=D. H. R. |title=Jane's Weapon Systems 1969–1970 |publisher=B. P. C. Publishing |location=London |year=1969 |isbn=0-354-00516-2 |pages=191–192 |edition=1st |chapter= |url=https://archive.org/details/janesweaponsyste0000unse_m9k0}}</ref>{{sfn|Kelly|1989|pp=23-25}}{{sfn|Hunnicutt|2015|p=117}} The [[MBT-70]], or ''Kampfpanzer 70'' as it was known in Germany,{{sfn|Kelly|1989|pp=27}} incorporated many new unconventional technologies. Conventional tanks of the time had a crew of four, with the driver located in the hull. In the MBT-70, the loader crewmember would be replaced by a mechanical [[autoloader]] and the driver would be located inside the [[CBRN defense|NBC-protected]] [[gun turret|turret]] with the other two crewmembers.{{sfn|Hunnicutt|2015|p=158}}{{sfn|Kelly|1989|pp=120}} Like the [[M60A2 tank|M60A2]] MBT and [[M551 Sheridan]] [[light tank]] then under development, the MBT-70 was armed with a 152&nbsp;mm [[gun-launcher]] that, in addition to firing conventional ammunition, would also fire the [[MGM-51 Shillelagh|Shillelagh missile]].{{sfn|Hunnicutt|2015|p=130}}{{sfn|Kelly|1989|pp=23-25}}{{sfn|Hunnicutt|2015|p=119}} A [[hydropneumatic suspension]] provided improved cross-country ride quality and also allowed the entire tank to be [[Enfilade and defilade|raised or lowered]] by the driver.{{sfn|Kelly|1989|pp=35}}

The United States team was led by [[General Motors]] while the German team consisted of a consortium of firms.{{sfn|Kelly|1989|pp=28}} The collaboration between the two teams was rocky from the start, with many cultural differences and disagreements about the design hampering progress.{{sfn|Kelly|1989|pp=23-25}} While the design was highly capable, its weight and budget both continued to grow. By 1969, the unit cost was many times the original estimate, approaching $1 million a tank.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Wade |first=Nicholas |date=1978-07-14 |title=NATO Builds a Better Battle Tank But May Still Lose the Battle |url=https://www.science.org/doi/abs/10.1126/science.201.4351.136 |journal=Science |volume=201 |issue=4351 |pages=136–140 |doi=10.1126/science.201.4351.136|url-access=subscription }}</ref> Due to increasing costs, delays and overall uncertainty as to the soundness of the tank design,{{sfn|Hunnicutt|2015|p=140}} the United States and Germany ended their MBT-70 partnership in 1970.<ref name="Bonn and Washington split">{{cite news |last1=Beecher |first1=William |title=U.S. and Bonn End 7-Year Joint Effort to Build a Tank |url= https://www.nytimes.com/1970/01/21/archives/us-and-bonn-end-7year-joint-effort-to-build-a-tank.html |access-date=26 August 2018 |work=The New York Times |date=21 January 1970 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180826113505/https://www.nytimes.com/1970/01/21/archives/us-and-bonn-end-7year-joint-effort-to-build-a-tank.html |archive-date=26 August 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all}}</ref> The U.S. Army began work on an austere version of the MBT-70, named [[XM803]]. Systems were simplified or eliminated altogether and the unreliable autoloader was improved.{{sfn|Kelly|1989|pp=40}} These changes were ultimately insufficient to allay concerns about the tank's cost.{{sfn|Hunnicutt|2015|p=158}} Congress canceled the XM803 in December 1971 but permitted the Army to reallocate remaining funds to develop a new main battle tank.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Turner |first1=Bob |title=Congress Kills Tank Program |url= https://www.newspapers.com/image/332215721/?terms=xm803&match=1 |access-date=12 November 2021 |work=The Tampa Tribune |date=20 December 1971}}</ref>

===Starting over===
The Army began the '''XM815''' project in January 1972. The Main Battle Tank Task Force (MBTTF) was established under Major General [[William Robertson Desobry|William Desobry]] with the technical support of [[Tank-automotive and Armaments Command]] (TACOM).{{sfn|Hunnicutt|2015|p=161}}

In spring 1972, Desobry was briefed by the British on their own newly developed [[Chobham armour|"Burlington" armor]] from the [[British Army]]'s labs. The armor performed exceptionally against [[shaped charge]]s such as HEAT rounds. In September, Desobry convinced the Army to incorporate the new armor. To take full advantage of Burlington, also known as Chobham, the new tank would have to have armor around two feet thick (for comparison, the armor on the M60 is around four inches thick). General [[Creighton Abrams]] set the weight of the new tank at {{convert|53|t}}. The original goal of keeping weight under {{convert|45|t}} was abandoned.{{sfn|Kelly|1989|pp=111–130}}

At the time, the Pentagon's procurement system was beset with problems being caused by the desire to have the [[gold plating (project management)|best possible design]]. This often resulted in programs being canceled due to cost overruns, leaving the forces with outdated systems as was the case with the MBT-70. There was a strong movement within the Army to get a new design within budget to prevent the MBT-70 experience from repeating itself. For the new design, the Army set the design-to-unit cost at no more than $507,790 ({{inflation|US|507,790|1972|fmt=eq|r=-3}}).<ref name=bail>{{cite news |newspaper= Washington Monthly |date=1987 |url= https://www.thefreelibrary.com/The+first+Chrysler+bail-out%3b+the+M-1+tank.-a04696991 |title=The First Chrysler Bail-Out: The M-1 Tank |access-date=12 November 2019 |archive-date=12 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191112144938/https://www.thefreelibrary.com/The%2Bfirst%2BChrysler%2Bbail-out;%2Bthe%2BM-1%2Btank.-a04696991 |url-status=live}}</ref>

The Pentagon's approach to control of research and development was modified with the XM1. Previous acquisition strategy called for a significant amount of the design work to be done by the government. Under the new framework, contractors would competitively bid their own designs rather than compete solely for the right to manufacture the end product.{{sfn|Kelly|1989|p=13–43}}

In January 1973, the U.S. Army issued the '''XM1''' (as the XM815 had been renamed in November 1972) [[request for proposal]]s.{{sfn|Information Spectrum|1983|p=B-2, B-3}} The new tank had to defeat any hit from a Soviet gun within {{convert|800|m|abbr=on}} and 30 degrees to either side. The tank would be armed with the 105&nbsp;mm [[M68 (tank gun)|M68 gun]], a licensed version of the [[Royal Ordnance L7]], and a 20&nbsp;mm version of the [[M242 Bushmaster]].{{sfn|Hunnicutt|2015|p=202}} The Army later deleted the latter from the design.{{sfn|Hunnicutt|2015|p=178}} In May 1973, [[Chrysler Defense]] and [[General Motors]] submitted proposals. Both were armed with the 105&nbsp;mm M68 gun, the licensed L7, and the 20&nbsp;mm Bushmaster. Chrysler chose a 1,500&nbsp;hp Lycoming AGT1500 [[gas turbine]] engine. GM's model was powered by a 1,500&nbsp;hp diesel engine similar to that used on the American MBT-70 and XM803.{{sfn|Hunnicutt|2015|p=176}}

===Prototypes===
[[File:XM1 Chrysler prototype.png|thumb|Chrysler XM1 prototype]]
[[File:General Motors XM1 Tank Prototype Under Evaluation at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, 1976.jpg|thumb|General Motors XM1 prototype]]

Prototypes were delivered in 1976 by Chrysler and GM armed with the M68E1 105&nbsp;mm gun. They entered head-to-head testing at [[Aberdeen Proving Ground]].{{sfn|Hunnicutt|2015|p=189}}{{sfn|Hunnicutt|2015|p=189}} The testing showed that the GM design was generally superior to Chrysler's, offering better armor protection, and better fire control and turret stabilization systems.<ref name=bail/>

During testing, the power packs of both designs proved to have issues. The Chrysler gas turbine engine had extensive heat recovery systems in an attempt to improve its [[fuel efficiency]] to something similar to a traditional [[internal combustion engine]]. This goal was not achieved: the engine consumed much more fuel than expected, burning {{convert|890|L/100km|usgal/mi|sp=us}}. The GM design used a new variable-compression diesel design.<ref name=bail/>

By spring 1976, the decision to choose the GM design was largely complete. In addition to offering better overall performance, there were concerns about Chrysler's engine both from a reliability and fuel consumption standpoint. The GM program was also slightly cheaper overall at $208 million compared to $221 million for Chrysler. In July 1976, the Army prepared to inform Congress of the decision to move ahead with the GM design. All that was required was the final sign-off by the [[United States Secretary of Defense|U.S Secretary of Defense]], [[Donald Rumsfeld]].<ref name=bail/>

=== Back to the drawing board ===
[[File:XM1 Chrysler scale model oblique right.png|thumb|Finalized M1 scale model]]

In July 1976 Defense Secretary Rumsfeld announced a four-month delay in the award of the XM1 contract. Over the Army's objections Rumsfeld had heeded his deputy's call to make a turbine engine a requirement of the XM1.<ref name=bail/>

Within days of the announced delay, GM was asked to present a new design with a turbine engine. According to Assistant Secretary for Research and Development Ed Miller, "It became increasingly clear that the only solution which would be acceptable to Clements and Currie was the turbine... It was a political decision that was reached, and for all intents and purposes that decision gave the award to Chrysler since they were the only contractor with a gas turbine."<ref name=bail/>

In the meantime, in September 1976 three West German [[Leopard 2]]AV prototypes were belatedly sent to Aberdeen for comparison testing.{{sfn|Staats|1977|p=6}} Germany had signed a somewhat vague [[memorandum of understanding]] in 1974 committing both parties toward commonality in tank parts. Germany had assumed that its tank would be evaluated against the GM and Chrysler's prototypes and that the best tank would be chosen for production. This misunderstanding arose from the fact that in public statements both countries had overrepresented the MOU as an agreement that Germany and the U.S. would select a common MBT. In reality, the U.S. Army was unwilling to choose a foreign tank unless it was obviously superior in design and cost.{{sfn|Staats|1977|p=4-5}} In any case, in evaluations the Leopard 2AV was found to meet U.S. requirements but was thought to cost more.{{sfn|Hunnicutt|2015|p=189}} The U.S. Army announced in January 1977 that Germany had withdrawn the tank from consideration.{{sfn|Staats|1977|p=2}}

=== Chrysler is chosen ===
[[File:Completed M1 Abrams Tank Chrysler Lima 1979.jpg|thumb|left|M1 Abrams tank being inspected upon assembly at the Chrysler Lima Army Tank Plant, 1979.]]

Having narrowly averted losing the contract, Chrysler set about improving the design. Expensive components were replaced with less expensive ones. Chrysler's team also negotiated lower costs from their subcontractors.{{sfn|Kelly|1989|p=157-158}} Chrysler also submitted a version with a Teledyne AVCR-1360 diesel engine.{{sfn|Hunnicutt|2015|p=190}} Chrysler's new bid came to $196 million, down from $221 million in the original proposal.{{sfn|Kelly|1989|p=157-158}}

[[File:XM1 during trial 1979.png|thumb|right|An XM1 pilot during trials in 1979]]
GM's proposal replaced the diesel engine with an AGT1500 turbine and integrated a turret capable of mounting either the 105&nbsp;mm or 120&nbsp;mm gun.{{sfn|Hunnicutt|2015|p=190}} Cost growth pushed the tank bid to $232 million from $208 million.{{sfn|Kelly|1989|p=157-158}}

Although the GM team had successfully integrated the turbine, Baer was more impressed by the cost savings introduced by the Chrysler team's redesign.{{sfn|Kelly|1989|p=157-158}} On 12 November 1976, the Defense Department awarded the $4.9 billion development contract to Chrysler.<ref name="Chrysler selected">{{cite news |last1= Finney |first1=John |title= Army Picks Chrysler to Develop New Tank at $4.9 Billion Cost |url= https://www.nytimes.com/1976/11/13/archives/new-jersey-pages-army-picks-chrysler-to-develop-new-tank-at-49.html |access-date=6 August 2018 |work=The New York Times |date=13 November 1976}}</ref>

The turbine engine and cost do not appear to be the only reason for the selection of Chrysler. Chrysler was the only company that appeared to be seriously interested in tank development; the M60 had been lucrative for the company. In contrast, GM made only about 1% of its income from military sales, compared to 5% for Chrysler, and only submitted their bid after a "special plea" from the Pentagon.<ref name=bail/>

[[File:Armor 1980.webm|thumb|''ARMOR'' (1986) - official U.S. Army M1 Abrams & M60 training film reel]]
Eleven XM1 preproduction models were manufactured between February and July 1978 at [[Detroit Arsenal Tank Plant]].{{sfn|Hunnicutt|2015|p=197}} Quality problems with the engine quickly became apparent in testing. The first preproduction units that arrived at [[Aberdeen Proving Ground]] in March 1978 had serious problems. The tank accumulated mud and dirt under the hull which led to thrown tracks. Chrysler installed a scraper to prevent the build-up of dirt, but this did not solve the issue entirely. It was determined months later that a gauge used to tension tracks was miscalibrated. This caused the tracks to be fitted too loosely.{{sfn|Kelly|1989|p=161-167}} Another problem was the ingestion of debris by the engine. The problem was determined to be caused by poorly fitting air filters.{{sfn|Kelly|1989|p=161-167}} At [[Fort Bliss]], several tanks experienced transmission issues. It was determined that the tankers at Fort Bliss had discovered that they could throw the vehicle directly from acceleration into reverse, a tactically advantageous maneuver called the "bow tie". Chrysler resolved this by installing a device that prevented this.{{sfn|Kelly|1989|p=161-167}} The problems found during testing were easily surmounted. Critics of the M1 program emerged in the early 1980s, particularly the newly formed Project on Military Procurement (PMP) (later renamed the [[Project on Government Oversight]]). PMP took issue with the tank's vulnerability, high price, reliance on flammable hydraulics, and high fuel consumption.{{sfn|Kelly|1989|p=242-250}} Responding to some of the alleged issues with the tank in ''King of the Killing Zone'' (1989), journalist Orr Kelly wrote that "The truth is close to the opposite", and that the program "ranks as one of the Army's best managed", producing a tank in "a remarkably short time" while avoiding "[[gold plating (project management)|gold-plating]]" and utilizing effective competition.{{sfn|Kelly|1989|p=249-250}} American tank historian [[Steven J. Zaloga]] characterized American press criticism of the M1 during this time as "ill-founded" and that the issues uncovered by the tank trials were "not particularly serious".{{sfn|Zaloga|1985|p=20-21}} PMP's criticism failed to generate any serious opposition to the program, which maintained strong support from Congress and the Pentagon.{{sfn|Kelly|1989|p=249}}

===Production starts===
[[File:M1 Abrams at the US Army Armor Center, 1983 (DA-SC-83-09878).jpg|thumb|right|Early production vehicle in 1983]]

[[Low rate initial production]] (LRIP) of the vehicle was approved in May 1979.{{sfn|Hunnicutt|2015|p=202}} In February 1982, [[General Dynamics Land Systems]] Division (GDLS) purchased Chrysler Defense, after Chrysler built over 1,000 M1s.<ref>{{cite news|title= General Dynamics buys Chrysler tank division|newspaper=The New York Times |date=20 February 1982 |url= https://www.nytimes.com/1982/02/20/business/general-dynamics-buys-chrysler-tank-division.html |access-date=3 April 2017 |url-status= live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170403195514/http://www.nytimes.com/1982/02/20/business/general-dynamics-buys-chrysler-tank-division.html |archive-date=3 April 2017|last1=Holusha|first1=John}}</ref>

A total of 3,273 M1 Abrams tanks were produced during 1979–1985 and first entered U.S. Army service in 1980. Production at the government-owned, GDLS-operated [[Lima Army Tank Plant]] in [[Lima, Ohio]], was joined by vehicles built at the [[Detroit Arsenal Tank Plant]] (DATP) in [[Warren, Michigan]] from 1982 to 1991 (DATP also produced the 11 preproduction models in 1978.{{sfn|Hunnicutt|2015|p=197}}).{{sfn|Hunnicutt|2015|p=216}}{{sfn|Zaloga|2019|p=16}} The U.S. Army Laboratory Command (LABCOM), under the supervision of the [[United States Army Research Laboratory]] (ARL), was also heavily involved with designing the tank with M1A1 armor resistant shells, [[M829#M829A2|M829A2]] armor-penetrating rounds, and improved weapon range.<ref>{{Cite book |title=History of the U.S. Army Research Laboratory |year=2017}}</ref>

The M1 was armed with the license-built M68A1 version of the 105&nbsp;mm Royal Ordnance L7 gun. The tank featured the first-of-its-kind [[Chobham armour|Chobham armor]]. The M1 Abrams was the first to use this advanced armor. It consisted of an arrangement of metal and ceramic plates.{{sfn|Green|Stewart|2005|p=102}} An improved model called the IPM1 was produced briefly in 1984 and contained upgrades to armor and other small improvements.

===120&nbsp;mm gun M1A1===
[[File:Anniston Army Depot workers perform reset work on the turret of the M1 Abrams tank in 1989.jpg|thumb|left|M1 Abrams tanks being refurbished at the [[Anniston Army Depot]] in 1989]]

A number of considerations had led the service and its contractors to favor the Army's standard M68 105&nbsp;mm gun over Germany's 120&nbsp;mm [[Rheinmetall Rh-120]] [[smoothbore]] gun for the XM1. To begin with, the 105&nbsp;mm gun was "the smallest, lightest, and least costly gun adequate for the job."<ref name="Bolte=nb">This is the testimony of Brigadier General Philip L. Bolte, Deputy Commanding General of the U.S. Army's Testing and Evaluation Command, before the Investigations Subcommittee of the House Committee on Armed Services in April 1978; ''Army Reprogramming Request No. 78-14 P/A, FRG Smooth Bore 120-MM Gun and XM-1 Tank'', 95th Cong., 2d Sess., p. 30.</ref> Indeed, new kinetic energy ammunition for the weapon then under development by the Army promised to extend the gun's usefulness well into the future. And because the Army's other tanks, the M60 and the upgraded [[M48 Patton|M48]], as well as the tanks of virtually every other NATO nation, used the 105&nbsp;mm gun, mounting that gun on the XM1 promised to increase standardization within the alliance. Moreover, the continuing development of the new ammunition for the XM1 automatically upgraded every other gun in NATO. For all of these reasons, the XM1's development proceeded "on the assumption that the 105&nbsp;mm gun would probably be the eventual main armament."<ref name="Bolte=nb"/>{{sfn|McNaugher|1981|p=38}} The tripartite British—American—German gun trials of 1975 produced a general agreement in the U.S. Defense Department that at some future point, a 120&nbsp;mm gun of some design would be added to the XM1. Apparently anticipating this, Chrysler and GM had both made changes to their tanks during development to make them compatible with a variety of main guns.{{sfn|McNaugher|1981|p=40-45}} In January 1978, the [[Secretary of the Army]] announced that the Rheinmetall 120&nbsp;mm gun would be mounted on future production versions of the XM1. This decision established the requirement for a separate program for the XM1E1 (with 120&nbsp;mm gun) so that the XM1 program could continue unimpeded.{{sfn|Information Spectrum|1983|p=B-7}}

About 5,000 M1A1 Abrams tanks were produced from 1986 to 1992 and featured the M256 120&nbsp;mm smoothbore cannon, improved armor, consisting of [[depleted uranium]] and other classified materials, and a [[CBRN]] protection system. Production of M1 and M1A1 tanks totaled some 9,000 tanks at a cost of approximately $4.3 million per unit.<ref name="pogo.org"/>

In 1990, a [[Project On Government Oversight]] report criticized the M1's high costs and low fuel efficiency in comparison with other tanks of similar power and effectiveness such as the Leopard 2.<ref name="pogo.org"/>

As the Abrams entered service, they operated alongside M60A3 within the U.S. military and with other NATO tanks in various [[Cold War]] [[List of NATO exercises|exercises]] which usually took place in Western Europe, especially [[West Germany]]. The exercises were aimed at countering Soviet forces.{{citation needed|date=March 2023}}

Adaptations before the [[Gulf War]] (Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm) gave the vehicle better firepower and Nuclear, Biological and Chemical (NBC) protection.{{sfn|United States General Accounting Office|1992}}

===Gulf War===
[[File:Abrams in formation.jpg|thumb|left|Abrams tanks move out on a mission during Operation Desert Storm in 1991. A [[Bradley IFV]] and a logistics convoy can be seen in the background.]]

The Abrams remained untested in combat until the Gulf War in 1991, during Operation Desert Storm. The first Abrams tanks to arrive in Saudi Arabia in August 1990 in the buildup to the war were M1 and IPM1 tanks with 105&nbsp;mm guns.{{sfn|Zaloga|2019|p=14}} All but two battalions of 105&nbsp;mm gun Abrams tanks were replaced by M1A1 tanks prior to the American invasion in January 1991.{{sfn|Zaloga|2009|p=57}} The U.S. Army deployed a total of 1,956 M1A1s (733 M1A1, 1,233 M1A1HA) to Saudi Arabia to participate in the [[Liberation of Kuwait campaign|liberation of Kuwait]].{{sfn|Zaloga|Sarson|1993|p=16-17}} The U.S. Marine Corps deployed 353 tanks, of which 277 were M60s and 76 were M1A1 (60 M1A1HA and 16 M1A1 Common). The M1A1 Common variant included adaptations for deep wading and improvements to increase commonality with the Army's Abrams. The [[2nd Tank Battalion]] was equipped with M1A1HA Abrams borrowed from the Army.{{sfn|Zaloga|2019|p=14}}

The M1A1 was superior to [[Ba'athist Iraq|Iraq]]'s [[Soviet Union|Soviet]]-designed [[T-54/T-55]] and T-62 tanks, as well as [[T-72]] versions imported from the Soviet Union and Poland.<ref name="M1A1vsT-72p24">{{harvnb|Zaloga|Sarson|1993|p=24}}</ref> Polish officials stated that no license-produced T-72 (nicknamed [[Lion of Babylon (tank)|Lion of Babylon]]) tanks were finished before destruction of the Iraqi Taji tank plant in 1991.<ref name="M1A1vsT-72p24" />

[[File:Destroyed M1A1 Abrams.jpg|thumb|right|A destroyed M1A1, hit in the rear grill by a [[AGM-114 Hellfire|Hellfire]] missile and penetrated by a [[sabot (firearms)|sabot]] tank round from the left side to right (see exit hole) in Operation Desert Storm, 1991.]]
Iraq's T-72s, like most Soviet export designs, lacked [[Night-vision device|night-vision system]]s and then-modern [[Rangefinding telemeter|rangefinder]]s, though they did have some night-fighting tanks with older active infrared systems or [[floodlight]]s. Very few M1 tanks were hit by enemy fire and none were destroyed as a direct result of enemy fire, none of which resulted in any fatalities.{{sfn|United States General Accounting Office|1992}} Three Abrams were left behind the enemy lines after a swift attack on [[Ali Air Base|Talil airfield]], south of [[Nasiriyah]], on February 27. One of them was hit by enemy fire, while the other two became embedded in mud. The tanks were destroyed by U.S. forces to prevent any trophy-claim by the Iraqi Army.<ref>{{harvnb|Halberstadt|1991|p=111}}: "One of the M1s is hit and disabled. The crew is extracted safely and the tank left behind, not before it is destroyed by the task force commander who fires two rounds into it. The first bounces off, the second penetrates and set it on fire. The terrain is still causing problems. On the attack several vehicles get embedded in mud and can't be extracted. The problem is complicated by enemy missile and machine gun fire. Two tanks and two armored personnel carriers are destroyed and discarded."</ref> A total of 23 M1A1s were damaged or destroyed during the war. Of the nine Abrams tanks destroyed, seven were destroyed by [[friendly fire]] and two intentionally destroyed to prevent capture by the Iraqi Army. No M1s were lost to enemy tank fire.<ref name="T-72vsM1"/> Some others took minor combat damage, with little effect on their operational readiness.{{sfn|United States General Accounting Office|1992|p=24}}

The M1A1 could kill other tanks at ranges in excess of {{convert|2500|m|disp=flip}}. This range was crucial in combat against previous generation tanks of Soviet design in Desert Storm, as the effective range of the main gun in the Iraqi tanks was less than {{convert|2000|m|disp=flip}}. This meant Abrams tanks could hit Iraqi tanks before the enemy got in range—a decisive advantage in this kind of combat. In [[friendly fire]] incidents, the front armor and fore side [[gun turret|turret]] armor survived direct [[Armour-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot|APFSDS]] hits from other M1A1s. This was not the case for the side armor of the hull and the rear armor of the turret, as both areas were penetrated on at least two occasions by unintentional strikes by [[Depleted uranium#Ammunition|depleted uranium ammunition]] during the [[Battle of Norfolk]].<ref>{{cite web |title=A Company, 3–66 Armor, Abrams (Bumper # A-33) |work=TAB H – Friendly-fire Incidents |quote=At approximately 4:30 AM on 27 February, an anti-tank guided missile (probably fired from a Bradley) struck A-33 in the engine compartment. The crew, uninjured, was evacuating the disabled tank when two DU rounds hit the tank in the left side of the hull and exited through the right side. The tank commander, driver, and gunner sustained injuries from fragments. The loader, who was already outside the tank, was uninjured. A-31 crew members assisted in rescuing A-33's crew. |url= http://www.gulflink.osd.mil/du_ii/du_ii_tabh.htm |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130601053948/http://www.gulflink.osd.mil/du_ii/du_ii_tabh.htm |archive-date=1 June 2013}}; [http://www.gulflink.osd.mil/declassimages/army/19980729/980715_sep96_sagwi1_0083.html Sketch depicting the path of a DU 120&nbsp;mm round through the hull of Abrams C-12] {{webarchive |url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090627054601/http://www.gulflink.osd.mil/declassimages/army/19980729/980715_sep96_sagwi1_0083.html |date=27 June 2009}}. OSD.</ref>

===Waco siege===
[[File:USAWDTX 068-01329 – Abrams tank next to the burning Branch Davidian compound (retouched).jpg|thumb|M1A1 tank beside the burning compound of the Waco Siege]]

During the [[Waco siege]] in 1993, two M1A1 Abrams tanks were borrowed from the military<ref>{{Cite news |title=The Tragedy After Waco – Public Response |work=Christian Science Monitor |url=https://www.csmonitor.com/1993/0427/27191.html |access-date=2023-04-26 |issn=0882-7729}}</ref> and deployed by the [[FBI]] against the [[Branch Davidians]].<ref name="kopel">{{cite web |title= Can Soldiers Be Peace Officers? The Waco Disaster and The Militarization of American Law Enforcement |author= David Kopel |url= http://davekopel.org/Waco/LawRev/CanSoldiersBePeaceOfficers.htm#fnb99 |access-date= April 17, 2009 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080516031612/http://davekopel.org/Waco/LawRev/CanSoldiersBePeaceOfficers.htm#fnb99 |archive-date= May 16, 2008 |url-status=live |df= mdy-all |author-link= David Kopel}}</ref>

===Upgrades===
The M1A2 was a further improvement of the M1A1, with a commander's independent thermal viewer, weapon station, position navigation equipment, and a full set of controls and displays linked by a digital data bus. These upgrades also provided the M1A2 with an improved fire control system.<ref>Diaz, R. Gary. "Intervehicular Information System (IVIS): The Basis for a Tactical Information System", SAE Paper Number: 940982, General Dynamics, 1 March 1994.</ref> The M1A2 System Enhancement Package (SEP) added digital maps, Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below ([[FBCB2]]) Linux communications system capabilities for commanders, and an improved cooling system to compensate for heat generated by the additional computer systems.<ref name="auto">{{cite web |url= https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/wsh2013/12.pdf |title=Abrams Tank Upgrade|publisher=Weapons Systems 2013|year=2013 |url-status= live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150505145701/http://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/wsh2013/12.pdf |archive-date=5 May 2015}}</ref>

The M1A2 SEP also serves as the basis for the [[M104 Wolverine]] heavy assault bridge. The M1A2 SEPv2 (version 2) added [[CROWS|Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS or CROWS II)]] support, color displays, better interfaces, a new operating system, better front and side armor, and an upgraded transmission for better durability.<ref name="auto"/>

Further upgrades included [[depleted uranium#armor plate|depleted uranium armor]] for all variants, a system overhaul that returns all A1s to like-new condition (M1A1 AIM), a digital enhancement package for the A1 (M1A1D), and a commonality program to standardize parts between the U.S. Army and the Marine Corps (M1A1HC). Improvements to survivability, lethality, and protection have been sought since 2014.<ref name= "g8.army.mil">{{cite web |url= http://www.g8.army.mil/pdf/Army_Equipment_Program2015.pdf |title= Army Equipment Program|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150409104940/http://www.g8.army.mil/pdf/Army_Equipment_Program2015.pdf |archive-date=9 April 2015 |publisher= U.S. Army |date=May 2014}}</ref>

===Iraq War===
[[File:Fallujah 2004 M1A1 Abrams.jpg|thumb|left|A U.S. Marine Corps M1A1 Abrams fires its main gun into a building during the [[Second Battle of Fallujah]], 2004.]]
Further combat was seen during 2003 when U.S. forces invaded Iraq and deposed Iraqi President [[Saddam Hussein]] in the [[Iraq War]]'s Operation Iraqi Freedom. One achievement of the M1A1s was the destruction of seven T-72s in a point-blank skirmish (less than {{convert|50|yd}}) near Mahmoudiyah, about {{convert|18|mi|km|0}} south of Baghdad, with no U.S. losses.<ref>Conroy, Jason & Martz, Ron. ''Heavy Metal: A Tank Company's Battle To Baghdad''. Potomac Books, 2005, p. 158.</ref> This was in the face of inadequately trained Iraqi tank crews, most of whom had not fired live ammunition in the previous year due to the sanctions then in operation and made no hits at point-blank range.<ref name="biddle">{{cite report |last=Biddle |first=Stephen |url= https://archive.org/details/operationiraqifr00unit |title=Statement By Dr. Stepehen Biddle, Associate Professor of National Security Studies, U.S. Army War College Strategic Studies Institute Before the Committee on Armed Services, United States House of Representatives, First Session, 108th Congress, on Operation Iraqi Freedom: Outside Perspectives |date=21 October 2003 |pages=544–570 |publisher=Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives, 108th Session |work=Operation Iraqi Freedom: Operations and Reconstruction}}</ref>

Following lessons learned in Desert Storm, the Abrams and many other U.S. combat vehicles used in the conflict were fitted with [[Combat Identification Panel]]s to reduce friendly fire incidents.{{sfn|Zaloga|2019|p=18}}

Several Abrams tanks that were irrecoverable due to loss of mobility or other circumstances were destroyed by friendly forces, usually by other Abrams tanks, to prevent their capture.<ref>Zucchino, David: ''Thunder Run: The Armored Strike to Capture Baghdad''. Grove Press, 2004, pp. 20–30, 73.</ref> Some Abrams tanks were disabled by Iraqi infantrymen in ambushes during the invasion. Some troops employed short-range anti-tank rockets and fired at the tracks, rear and top. Other tanks were put out of action by engine fires when flammable fuel stored externally in turret racks was hit by small arms fire and spilled into the engine compartment.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.wlhoward.com/id554.htm#prof |title=Technical Intelligence Bulletins |publisher=WL Howard |date=May–June 2003 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070312185039/http://www.wlhoward.com/id554.htm |archive-date=12 March 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first= John P. |last=Conway |title=Abrams Tank Systems: Lessons Learned Operation Iraqi Freedom |url= http://www.fprado.com/armorsite/US-Field-Manuals/abrams-oif.pdf#prof |date=7 January 2004 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060905050811/http://fprado.com/armorsite/US-Field-Manuals/abrams-oif.pdf#prof |archive-date=5 September 2006}}</ref> By March 2005, approximately 80 Abrams tanks had been forced out of action by enemy attacks;<ref name="casualties">Komarow, Steven. [https://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2005-03-29-abrams-tank-a_x.htm "Tanks take a beating in Iraq"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120318030456/http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2005-03-29-abrams-tank-a_x.htm|date=18 March 2012}}. USA Today, 29 March 2005.</ref> 63 were shipped back to the U.S. for repairs, while 17 were damaged beyond repair{{sfn|Green|Stewart|2005|p=99}} with 3 of them at the beginning of 2003.<ref>{{cite news |date=26 March 2003 |title=Najaf fighting "heaviest so far" |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/2888633.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161125052725/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/2888633.stm |archive-date=25 November 2016 |access-date=23 May 2020 |via=news.bbc.co.uk}}</ref>

[[File:U.S. Army M1A2 Abrams Iraq 2005 retouched.jpg|thumb|Two U.S. Army M1A2 Abrams in Iraq, 2005]]
Vulnerabilities exposed during urban combat in the Iraq War were addressed with the [[#Tank Urban Survival Kit|Tank Urban Survival Kit]] (TUSK) modifications, including armor upgrades and a gun shield, issued to some M1 Abrams tanks. It added protection in the rear and side of the tank and improved fighting ability and survival ability in urban environments.<ref name="USA_Today_TUSK">Komarow, Steven. [https://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2005-03-29-tank-inside_x.htm "Tanks adapted for urban fights they once avoided"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110822063215/http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2005-03-29-tank-inside_x.htm |date=22 August 2011}}. ''USA Today'', 29 March 2005.</ref> By December 2006 more than 530 Abrams tanks had been shipped back to the U.S. for repairs.<ref>{{cite news |title=U.S. Army Battling To Save Equipment |newspaper=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/12/04/AR2006120401347.html |url-status=live |access-date=11 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006084444/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/12/04/AR2006120401347.html |archive-date=6 October 2014}}</ref>

In May 2008, it was reported that a U.S. M1 tank had also been damaged in Iraq by insurgent fire of a Soviet-made [[RPG-29]] "Vampir", which uses a [[tandem-charge]] [[High-explosive anti-tank|HEAT]] warhead to penetrate [[explosive reactive armor]] (ERA) as well as [[Composite armour|composite armor]] behind it.<ref>{{cite news |title=Operation in Sadr City Is an Iraqi Success, So Far |author=Michael R. Gordon |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=21 May 2008 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/21/world/middleeast/21sadr.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170623214243/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/21/world/middleeast/21sadr.html?_r=2&hp&oref=slogin&oref=slogin |archive-date=23 June 2017}}</ref> The U.S. considered the RPG-29 a high threat to armor and refused to allow the newly formed Iraqi Army to buy it, fearing that it would fall into the insurgents' hands.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.armytimes.com/legacy/new/0-ARMYPAPER-1722465.php |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120719055905/http://www.armytimes.com/legacy/new/0-ARMYPAPER-1722465.php |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 July 2012 |work=ArmyTimes |title=Super RPG threat, Army passes on system that could defeat RPG-29, DoD officials say|author-last=Grant|author-first=Greg}}</ref>

===Iraqi Army service===
[[File:M1 Abrams tanks in Iraqi service, Jan. 2011.jpg|thumb|left|M1A1M Abrams tanks in Iraqi service, January 2011]]
Between 2010 and 2012 the U.S. supplied 140 refurbished M1A1 Abrams tanks to Iraq. In mid-2014, they saw action when the [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]] (ISIL or Islamic State) launched the [[June 2014 Northern Iraq offensive]]. During three months, about one-third of the Iraqi Army's M1 tanks had been damaged or destroyed by ISIL and some were captured by opposing forces. By December 2014, the Iraqi Army only had about 40 operational Abrams left. That month, the [[U.S. Department of State]] approved the sale of another 175 Abrams to Iraq.<ref name="JanesRevealed">{{citation |first=Jeremy |last=Binnie |url=http://www.janes.com/article/39550/iraqi-abrams-losses-revealed |title=Iraqi Abrams losses revealed |publisher=Janes |date=20 June 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150502182619/http://www.janes.com/article/39550/iraqi-abrams-losses-revealed |archive-date=2 May 2015}}</ref><ref name="ISIS maintenance">{{cite news |author1=Michael Pregent |author2=Michael Weiss |title=Exploiting the ISIS Vulnerabilities in Iraq |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/michael-pregent-and-michael-weiss-exploiting-the-isis-vulnerabilities-in-iraq-1407884145 |access-date=8 December 2015 |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|date=12 August 2014 |quote=Yet ISIS does not have the highly trained maintenance crews that are necessary to keep these weapons in good working order. |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151210183148/http://www.wsj.com/articles/michael-pregent-and-michael-weiss-exploiting-the-isis-vulnerabilities-in-iraq-1407884145 |archive-date=10 December 2015}}</ref><ref>[http://www.dodbuzz.com/2014/12/22/agency-backs-more-abrams-for-iraq-in-isis-fight/ Agency Backs More Abrams for Iraq in ISIS Fight] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141223200538/http://www.dodbuzz.com/2014/12/22/agency-backs-more-abrams-for-iraq-in-isis-fight/ |date=23 December 2014}} – DoDBuzz.com, 22 December 2014</ref>

Iranian-backed Iraqi Shiite [[Kata'ib Hezbollah]] (Hezbollah Brigades) were reported to operate M1 Abrams, and released publicity showing the tanks being transported by trucks to take part in the [[Battle of Mosul (2016–2017)|Battle of Mosul]]. It is not known whether the tanks were captured from ISIL, seized from Iraq's military, or handed over.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2016/10/hezbollah-brigades-rushes-troops-to-mosul-fight.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805155447/http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2016/10/hezbollah-brigades-rushes-troops-to-mosul-fight.php |url-status=dead|title=Hezbollah Brigades hurries troops to Mosul fight {{pipe}} FDD's Long War Journal|archive-date=5 August 2017|website=www.longwarjournal.org|access-date=23 May 2020}}</ref>

One Iraqi-operated Abrams has been nicknamed "''The Beast''" after it became the lone working tank when taking back the town of Hit in April 2016, destroying enemy fighting positions and IED emplacements.<ref>[http://www.military.com/daily-news/2016/04/13/the-beast-of-hit-abrams-tank-plays-role-iraqi-fight-against-isis.html?ESRC=todayinmil.sm The "Beast of Hit," Abrams Tank Plays Role in Iraqi Fight against ISIS] {{webarchive |url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160417101351/http://www.military.com/daily-news/2016/04/13/the-beast-of-hit-abrams-tank-plays-role-iraqi-fight-against-isis.html?ESRC=todayinmil.sm |date=17 April 2016}} – Military.com, 13 April 2016</ref>

In October 2017, Abrams were used by the [[Iraqi security forces]] and the [[Popular Mobilization Forces]] (also called Al-Hashd al-Shaabi) in assaults against the [[Kurdistan Regional Government]] [[Peshmerga]] in the town of [[Altun Kupri]] (also called Prde). It was claimed by Kurdish commanders that at least one Abrams was destroyed by the Peshmerga.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/20102017 |title=Rudaw – Iraqi army, Shiite militia and Peshmerga exchange heavy fire north of Kirkuk |access-date=20 October 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171020191550/http://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/20102017 |archive-date=20 October 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===War in Afghanistan===
[[File:Security patrol in Payawak 120420-M-DL630-028.jpg|thumb|A M1A1 Abrams on patrol in Helmand Province, Afghanistan in 2012.]]
[[Canadian Army|Canada]] and [[Royal Danish Army|Denmark]] deployed [[Leopard C1|Leopard 1]] and [[Leopard 2|2]] MBTs that were specially modified to operate in the relatively flat and arid conditions of southwestern Afghanistan. In late 2010, at the request of [[Regional Command Southwest]], the U.S. Marine Corps deployed a small detachment of 14 M1A1 Abrams tanks from [[1st Tank Battalion|Delta Company, 1st Tank Battalion]], [[1st Marine Division (United States)|1st Marine Division]] (Forward),<ref>[http://www.usmc.mil/unit/1stmardiv/Pages/MarinetankspreparefortheirfirstmissionsinAfghanistan.aspx Marine tanks prepare for their first missions in Afghanistan]. U.S. Marine Corps, 18 January 2011. {{webarchive |url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141016001743/http://www.usmc.mil/unit/1stmardiv/Pages/MarinetankspreparefortheirfirstmissionsinAfghanistan.aspx |date=16 October 2014}}</ref> to southern Afghanistan in support of operations in [[Helmand Province|Helmand]] and [[Kandahar Province|Kandahar]] provinces.<ref>[https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/id/61767/ U.S. Tanks En Route to Southwestern Afghanistan] . American Forces Press Service, 19 November 2010. Retrieved 12 March 2011.</ref>

===2015 Yemen Civil War===
Saudi Abrams tanks saw service in the [[Yemeni Civil War (2014–present)|2015 Yemeni Civil War]], where M1A2s were used against [[Houthi]] rebels.{{sfn|Zaloga|2019|p=46}} In August 2016, the U.S. approved a deal to sell up to 153 more Abrams tanks to Saudi Arabia, including 20 "battle damage replacements", suggesting that some Saudi Arabian Abrams had been destroyed or severely damaged in combat in Yemen.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/kingdom-saudi-arabia-m1a2s-saudi-abrams-main-battle-tanks-and-m88ala2-heavy|title=Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – M1A2S Saudi Abrams Main Battle Tanks and M88Al/A2 Heavy Equipment Recovery Combat Utility Lift Evacuation System (HERCULES) Armored Recovery Vehicles (ARV)|publisher=Defense Security Cooperation Agency|date=9 August 2016|access-date=19 September 2016 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160913101846/http://www.dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/kingdom-saudi-arabia-m1a2s-saudi-abrams-main-battle-tanks-and-m88ala2-heavy|archive-date=13 September 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defenseone.com/business/2016/08/us-tank-deal-exposes-saudi-losses-yemen-war/130623/|title=Saudi Losses in Yemen War Exposed by US Tank Deal|access-date=10 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160810160324/http://www.defenseone.com/business/2016/08/us-tank-deal-exposes-saudi-losses-yemen-war/130623/|archive-date=10 August 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Russo-Ukrainian War===
====Russian invasion of Ukraine====
In January 2023, U.S. President [[Joe Biden]] said that the United States would send 31 M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-01-25 |title=US, Germany to send advanced tanks to aid Ukraine war effort |url= https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-german-tanks-435da2221bf452a8aae9d2e58d23acae |access-date=2023-01-26 |website= AP News}}</ref> The plan to transfer the tanks to Ukraine was approved as part of a larger aid package.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=McFall |first1=Caitlin |date=25 January 2023 |title=Biden approves sending 31 M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, in reversal |url= https://www.foxnews.com/politics/biden-approves-sending-31-m1-abrams-tanks-ukraine-reversal |access-date=26 January 2023 |website=Fox News Channel}}</ref> Pentagon spokesperson [[Sabrina Singh]] specified that the tanks would be the M1A2 variant; however, because they were not available in excess in U.S. stocks, they would be purchased through [[Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative]] (USAI) and could take up to two years to manufacture and deliver.<ref>{{cite web |title=Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh Holds a Press Briefing |url= https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/3279948/deputy-pentagon-press-secretary-sabrina-singh-holds-a-press-briefing/ |publisher= U.S. Department of Defense |access-date=27 January 2023}}</ref> In March 2023 the Pentagon announced that, in order to expedite delivery, modernized M1A1SA variants would be pulled from Army stocks and refurbished for delivery by the fall. This change would also ensure deliveries to US allies of new M1A2s would not be disrupted.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ukrainians to Get U.S. Tanks by Fall |url= https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3336826/ukrainians-to-get-us-tanks-by-fall/ |publisher= U.S. Department of Defense |access-date=22 March 2023}}</ref>

In September 2023, Ukraine began receiving these tanks, which were former [[U.S. Marine Corps]] tanks.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Khalilova |first=Dinara |date=2023-09-25 |title=Zelensky confirms first Abrams tanks already in Ukraine |language=en-US |work=The Kyiv Independent |url=https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-confirms-first-abrams-tanks-arrived-in-ukraine/ |access-date=2023-09-25}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |author=THOMAS NEWDICK |date=2023-09-25 |title=M1 Abrams Tanks Have Arrived In Ukraine |language=en-US |work=The War Zone |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/m1-abrams-tanks-have-arrived-in-ukraine |access-date=2023-09-26 |archive-date=26 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926044203/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/m1-abrams-tanks-have-arrived-in-ukraine |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |author=David Axe |date=2023-09-25 |title=The First M-1 Tanks Are In Ukraine. Expect A Lot More Soon. |language=en-US |work=Forbes |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2023/09/25/the-first-m-1-tanks-are-in-ukraine-expect-a-lot-more-soon/?sh=45c1e363fe01 |access-date=2023-09-26}}</ref> The tanks supplied were also older (having entered service in 1986) but modernized to M1A1SA (Situational Awareness) standards.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Why is the US sending 'downgraded' weaponry to Ukraine? |url=https://www.dw.com/en/why-is-the-us-sending-downgraded-weaponry-to-ukraine/a-65121120|date=25 March 2024 |author=Roman Goncharenko |access-date=2024-04-26 |website=DW}}</ref><ref name="auto1">{{Cite web |author=Joe Barnes |title=Ukraine withdraws Abrams tanks from front line amid barrage of drone attacks |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/04/26/ukraine-withdraws-abrams-tanks-amid-drone-attacks |date=2024-04-26 |access-date=2024-04-26 |website=The Telegraph}}</ref>

In February 2024, an M1A1 was reported as lost in Ukraine. The blowout panels on the ammo bins had been activated, indicating that the ammunition had [[Cooking off#Tanks|cooked off]].<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.twz.com/land/ukraines-first-m1-abrams-tank-loss-appears-to-have-occurred |title= Ukraine's First M1 Abrams Tank Loss Appears To Have Occurred |author= JOSEPH TREVITHICK |date=2024-02-26|publisher=TWZ}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2024/02/26/ukraine-has-lost-its-first-m-1-abrams-tank-likely-to-a-russian-drone-strike/?sh=1cc774314fc0 | title=Ukraine Has Lost Its First M-1 Abrams Tank—Likely to a Russian Drone | website=[[Forbes]] }}</ref> This M1A1 was destroyed by a [[FPV drone|FPV]] Piranha 10 quadcopter.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Network |first=Frontier India News |date=2024-02-28 |title=Meet Russian "Piranha" Drone Which Claimed the First US M1A1 Abrams Tank Kill |url=https://frontierindia.com/briefs/meet-russian-piranha-drone-which-claimed-the-first-us-m1a1-abrams-tank-kill/ |access-date=2024-03-03 |website=Frontier India - Briefs |language=en-GB |archive-date=29 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229073706/https://frontierindia.com/briefs/meet-russian-piranha-drone-which-claimed-the-first-us-m1a1-abrams-tank-kill/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In April 2024, Pentagon officials reported that Ukraine's Abrams had been withdrawn from frontline service. The Russian use of hunter killer drones have made it "too difficult" to operate the tanks<ref>{{Cite web |author= Tara Copp |title=Ukraine pulls US-provided Abrams tanks from the front lines over Russian drone threats |url=https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-war-abrams-tanks-19d71475d427875653a2130063a8fb7a |date=2024-04-26 |access-date=2024-04-26 |work=Associated Press}}</ref> in the current battlefield with "muddy ground hindering manoeuvrability".<ref name="auto1"/> A Ukrainian company has unveiled a new set of "anti-drone steel screens", which weighs "430 kg [approximately 948 pounds]". Designed to protect the tank, while not hindering its function, the screens also use Soviet era [[Kontakt-1]] explosive reactive armor. The screens protect the turrets top, rear, sides and other vulnerable sections. It leaves opening for smoke grenade launchers, the commander's hatch and other parts of the tank. Some 7 sets of armor have been produced, according to the company, for the Ukrainian Abrams.<ref>{{Cite web |author=JOSEPH TREVITHICK |title=Ukrainian M1 Abrams Tanks Get Elaborate 'Cope Cages,' Soviet Explosive Reactive Armor |url=https://www.twz.com/land/ukrainian-m1-abrams-tanks-get-elaborate-cope-cages-soviet-explosive-reactive-armor |date=2024-04-24 |access-date=2024-04-27 |work=TWZ}}</ref>

One Abrams was captured by Russia and displayed as a war trophy in Moscow in May 2024.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Osborn |first1=Andrew |title=Russians throng to display of Western 'trophy' tanks captured in Ukraine |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russians-throng-display-western-trophy-tanks-captured-ukraine-2024-05-01/ |access-date=24 May 2024 |work=Reuters |date=2 May 2024}}</ref>
[[File:M1A1 "Abrams" on captured equipment exhibition in Moscow (front view).jpg|thumb|A destroyed US-supplied M1A1 Abrams in Ukrainian service on display at Moscow's Victory Park on [[Poklonnaya Hill]], 2024]]

In October 2024, Australia announced that 49 recently retired M1A1 tanks would be transferred to Ukraine as the [[Australian Army]] started receiving its new M1A2 models.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-10-17 |title=Australia approves major no-strings-attached tank donation to Ukraine |url=https://www.euronews.com/2024/10/17/australia-approves-major-no-strings-attached-tank-donation-to-ukraine |access-date=2024-10-19 |website=euronews |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Clark |first=Colin |date=2024-10-16 |title=Aussies arming Ukraine with almost 50 Abrams tanks, a change in Canberra's plans |url=https://breakingdefense.com/2024/10/aussies-arming-ukraine-with-almost-50-abrams-tanks-a-change-in-canberras-plans/ |access-date=2024-10-19 |website=Breaking Defense |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |author1=Minister for Defence Richard Marles |author2=Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Pat Conroy |title=Australia to provide Abrams tanks to Ukraine |url=https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/media-releases/2024-10-17/australia-provide-abrams-tanks-ukraine |website=Department of Defence Ministers |access-date=20 July 2025 |date=17 October 2024}}</ref>

As of 5 November 2025, [[Oryxspioenkop]] website stated that Ukraine had visually confirmed losses of 22 (10 destroyed, 1 damaged, 10 abandoned and 1 captured) of the 31 USA-provided Abrams tanks.<ref name="oryx">{{Cite news |title=Attack On Europe: Documenting Ukrainian Equipment Losses During The Russian Invasion Of Ukraine |url=https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2022/02/attack-on-europe-documenting-ukrainian.html?m=1 |access-date=1 July 2025 |website=[[Oryxspioenkop]] }}</ref>

On 19 July 2025, Australia announced that Ukraine had received the majority of the M1A1 Abrams tanks, which according to ''[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]'' was "around 40" tanks, with the remaining tanks to be delivered in the coming months.<ref>{{cite press release |author1=Minister for Defence Richard Marles |author2=Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy |title=M1A1 Abrams tanks delivered to Ukraine |url=https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/media-releases/2025-07-19/m1a1-abrams-tanks-delivered-ukraine |website=Department of Defence of Ministers |publisher=Australian Government |access-date=19 July 2025 |date=19 July 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Knott |first1=Matthew |title=Australian tanks arrive in Ukraine after nine-month wait |url=https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/australian-tanks-arrive-in-ukraine-after-nine-month-wait-20250718-p5mg0v.html |access-date=19 July 2025 |date=18 July 2025 |work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |agency=[[Nine Entertainment]]}}</ref>

===Production===
Serial production of the M1 Abrams for the U.S. Army ended in 1995, though production for exports continued until 2000.{{sfn|Zaloga|2019|p=16}}

[[File:M1 Abrams hull at Joint Systems Manufacturing Center-Lima in 2021.webp|thumb|right|An M1 Abrams hull undergoing work on the suspension system at the [[Joint Systems Manufacturing Center]] in Lima, Ohio, 2021.]]
The U.S. Army sought to suspend operations at Joint Systems Manufacturing Center (formerly Lima Army Tank Plant)<ref name= "nationaldefensemagazine.org"/> from 2013 to 2016 to save over $1 billion. These plans were averted by Congress, which continued allocating money towards upgrading tanks.<ref name="DODbuzz">{{cite web |first=Philip |last=Ewing |url= http://www.dodbuzz.com/2011/04/21/the-tank-at-the-end-of-history/ |title=The tank at the end of history |work=DoD Buzz |publisher= Military |date=21 April 2011 |access-date= 23 April 2011 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110425023027/http://www.dodbuzz.com/2011/04/21/the-tank-at-the-end-of-history/ |archive-date=25 April 2011}}</ref><ref name="Support Abrams">{{cite web |url= http://www.supportabrams.com/ |title=Support Abrams |publisher= General Dynamic Land Systems |access-date=23 April 2011 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110410010850/http://www.supportabrams.com/ |archive-date=10 April 2011}}</ref> Specifically, GDLS estimated that closing the plant would cost $380 million and restarting production would cost $1.3 billion.<ref name= "re-opening">{{cite news |title=Lighter, Yet Deadlier |work=Defense News |publisher=Gannett Government Media Corporation |url= http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=7184244&c=FEA&s=TEC |access-date=24 July 2011 |archive-url= https://archive.today/20130110190447/http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=7184244&c=FEA&s=TEC |url-status=dead |archive-date=10 January 2013}}</ref><ref name= "nationaldefensemagazine.org">{{cite news |last1=Magnuson |first1=Stew |title=Over Army Objections, Industry and Congress Partner to Keep Abrams Tank Production 'Hot' |url=https://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2013/10/1/2013october-over-army-objections-industry-and-congress-partner-to-keep-abrams-tank-production-hot |access-date=30 December 2023 |work=www.nationaldefensemagazine.org |date=1 October 2013 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Sisk |first1=Richard |title=Congress Again Buys Abrams Tanks the Army Doesn't Want |url=https://www.military.com/daily-news/2014/12/18/congress-again-buys-abrams-tanks-the-army-doesnt-want.html?comp=7000023435630&rank=8 |access-date=7 January 2024 |work=Military.com |date=18 December 2014 |language=en}}</ref>

In late 2016, tank production and refurbishment had fallen to a rate of one per month with fewer than 100 workers on site. In 2017, President [[First presidency of Donald Trump|Donald Trump]] ordered military production to increase, including Abrams production and employment. In 2018, it was reported that the Army had ordered 135 tanks rebuilt to new standards, with employment at over 500 workers and expected to rise to 1,000.<ref>{{cite web|first=Loren|last=Thompson|title=How President Trump Saved The Last Tank Plant In America |url= https://www.forbes.com/sites/lorenthompson/2018/11/02/how-president-trump-saved-the-last-tank-plant-in-america/ |work=Forbes|date=2 November 2018|access-date=30 October 2020|archive-date=21 January 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210121043840/https://www.forbes.com/sites/lorenthompson/2018/11/02/how-president-trump-saved-the-last-tank-plant-in-america/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

===U.S. Marine Corps divestments ===
The Marine Corps began divesting itself of the Abrams in 2020 as part of [[Force Design 2030|a force restructuring plan]] intended to improve the Marine Corps' ability to contend with near-peer adversaries in the Pacific region, specifically to deter a possible [[China|Chinese]] invasion of [[Taiwan]]. Under the restructuring the Marine Corps would shift its strategy towards [[distributed operations]], an area planners felt the Abrams was unsuited for.<ref name="Force Design 2030" >{{cite web |url= https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/flashpoints/2020/03/26/the-marines-want-to-get-rid-of-their-tanks-heres-why/ |title=The Marines want to get rid of their tanks. Here's why. |work=Marine Corps Times |last=Snow |first=Shaun |date=26 March 2020 |access-date=30 August 2021 |archive-date=13 September 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210913160716/https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/flashpoints/2020/03/26/the-marines-want-to-get-rid-of-their-tanks-heres-why/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2020, the final M1A1 left [[Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune|Camp Lejuene]], marking the end of the use of heavy armor in the Marine Corps.<ref>{{cite web |author=<!-- not stated --> |date=November 5, 2020 |title=Last of 2d Tanks' M1A1 Abrams Tanks Depart Camp Lejeune |url=https://www.2ndmardiv.marines.mil/News/Press-Releases/Article/2406045/last-of-2d-tanks-m1a1-abrams-tanks-depart-camp-lejeune/ |website=www.2ndmardiv.marines.mil|access-date=November 4, 2025}}</ref> Marines previously serving within armor roles were given the option to transfer to the Army to continue serving in armor roles, change their [[List of United States Marine Corps MOS|occupational specialty]] within the Marines, or retire from the corps early.<ref>{{cite web |last=Athey |first=Philip |date=May 25, 2021 |title=Marine Corps deactivates its final active-duty tank battalion|url=https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2021/05/25/marine-corps-deactivates-its-final-active-duty-tank-battalion|website=www.marinecorpstimes.com|access-date=November 4, 2025}}</ref>

===Future plans===
During the 1980s and 1990s, the [[Armored Systems Modernization#Block III tank|Block III]] main battle tank from the [[Armored Systems Modernization]] (ASM) program was expected to succeed the M1 Abrams family in the 1990s. The design had an unmanned turret with a 140&nbsp;mm main gun, as well as improved protection. The end of Cold War hostilities caused the end of the program. The tracked [[M8 Armored Gun System]] was conceived as a possible supplement for the Abrams in U.S. service for low-intensity conflict in the early 1990s. Prototypes were made but the program was canceled. The eight-wheeled [[M1128 mobile gun system]] was designed to supplement the Abrams in U.S. service for low-intensity conflicts.<ref name=replace>{{cite book |title=Asia-Pacific Defence Reporter |volume= 30 |year=2004 |publisher=Asia-Pacific Defence Publications |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=gEG6AAAAIAAJ |access-date=2 April 2011 |archive-date=14 January 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230114043818/https://books.google.com/books?id=gEG6AAAAIAAJ |url-status=live}}</ref> It has been introduced into service and serves with Stryker brigades.

The [[Future Combat Systems]] [[Future Combat Systems Manned Ground Vehicles#Mounted Combat System|XM1202 Mounted Combat System]] was to replace the Abrams in U.S. Army service and was in development when funding for the program was canceled in 2010.<ref name="Janes 2011">{{cite book |editor1-last= Foss |editor1-first=Christopher F. |editor1-link= Christopher F. Foss |title=Jane's Armour and Artillery 2011–2012 |publisher=Janes Information Group |location=Surrey |year=2011 |isbn= 978-0-71062-960-9 |pages=177–85 |edition=32nd |url= https://archive.org/details/janesarmourartil0000unse}}</ref>

Engineering Change Proposal 1 is a two-part upgrade process. ECP1A adds space, weight, and power improvements and active protection against [[improvised explosive device]]s. Nine ECP1A prototypes have been produced as of October 2014. ECP1B, which would begin development in 2015, may include sensor upgrades and converging several tank round capabilities into a multipurpose round.<ref name="ECP1A AUSA">{{cite news|last1=Wasserbly|first1=Daniel|title= AUSA 2014: Army outlines upcoming combat vehicle choices |url= http://www.janes.com/article/44473/ausa-2014-army-outlines-upcoming-combat-vehicle-choices|work=IHS Jane's International Defence Review |date=14 October 2014|quote=ECP1A for Abrams, which just completed a "critical design review", and includes design efforts to incorporate data links for future ammunition, increased protection, as well as on-board diagnostics and a shift from line replaceable units (LRUs) to line replaceable modules (LRMs). LRMs are easier to replace because there are fewer cables, boxes, and cards to handle. |url-status= live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150429105740/http://www.janes.com/article/44473/ausa-2014-army-outlines-upcoming-combat-vehicle-choices|archive-date=29 April 2015}}</ref>

As of 2021, the Army anticipated that the remaining M1A2 to beyond 2050.<ref name="armour 2017" >{{cite book |editor1-last=Foss |editor1-first=Christopher F |editor1-link=Christopher F Foss |title=Jane's Land Warfare Platforms: Armoured Fighting Vehicles 2017–2018 |publisher=Janes Information Group |location=Surrey |year=2017 |isbn=978-0-71063-227-2 |pages=211–221 |edition=38th |chapter= MBTs and Medium Tanks}}</ref> As of 2021 the Army is to begin divesting its M1A1 SA variants in [[fiscal year]] 2025.<ref name="WSH 2020">{{cite report |author=Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics and Technology) |title=Weapon Systems Handbook 2020–2021 |date=25 May 2021 |pages=58–59 |url=https://www.army.mil/e2/downloads/rv7/2020-2021_Weapon_Systems_Handbook.pdf |access-date=7 January 2024}}</ref> As of March 2023 the US Army had a stated goal of procuring 2,204 M1A2 SEPv3 tanks with funds already having been committed to procure 2,093{{verify source|date=December 2024}} of this variant. This will make the M1A2 SEPv3 the standard issue tank for the US Army and US Army National Guard.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=March 2023 |title=Justification Book Volume 1 of 1 Procurement of W&TCV, Army |url=https://www.asafm.army.mil/Portals/72/Documents/BudgetMaterial/2024/Base%20Budget/Procurement/Procurement%20of%20Weapons%20and%20Tracked%20Combat%20Vehicles.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320010414/https://www.asafm.army.mil/Portals/72/Documents/BudgetMaterial/2024/Base%20Budget/Procurement/Procurement%20of%20Weapons%20and%20Tracked%20Combat%20Vehicles.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 March 2023 }}</ref>

As of 2021, the U.S. Army was evaluating a replacement for the M1 Abrams as part of the [[Next Generation Combat Vehicle]] (NGCV) program, notionally known as the Decisive Lethality Platform (DLP).<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Keating |first1=Edward G. |last2=Adedeji |first2=Adebayo |date= April 2021 |title=Projected Acquisition Costs for the Army's Ground Combat Vehicles |url= https://www.cbo.gov/system/files/2021-03/57085-ground-combat-vehicles.pdf |access-date=30 December 2022 |website=Congressional Budget Office |archive-date=7 November 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20221107090739/https://www.cbo.gov/system/files/2021-03/57085-ground-combat-vehicles.pdf |url-status= live}}</ref>

In September 2023, the U.S. Army announced that it had canceled the planned M1A2 SEPv4 variant and would instead redirect resources into a new variant of the Abrams tank, named M1E3.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |last=Judson |first=Jen |date=6 September 2023 |title=US Army scraps Abrams tank upgrade, unveils new modernization plan |url=https://www.defensenews.com/land/2023/09/06/us-army-scraps-abrams-tank-upgrade-unveils-new-modernization-plan/ |access-date=September 6, 2023 |work=DefenseNews}}</ref>

In June 2025, it was reported that the US Army had planned upgrades to Abrams tanks to make them more survivable in the battlefield after lessons from Ukraine.<ref>{{Cite web |title= Responding to the Wipeout of Ukraine's Abrams Tanks: U.S. Army Invests in Stealth Coatings and Top Armour to Boost Survivability  |url= https://militarywatchmagazine.com/article/us-army-abrams-tank-more-survivable-armour-losses-ukraine |access-date=1 July 2025 |date=29 June 2025 |website= Military Watch Magazine |language=en}}</ref>

==Design==

===Countermeasures===

====Camouflage====
[[File:M1A1 Twin Bridges training area 2C Republic of Korea 1-23 Infantry.jpg|thumb|left|U.S. M1A1s during the [[Foal Eagle]] 1998 training exercises in South Korea, with their factory single green paint scheme]]
{{further|Military camouflage}}

Some XM1 FSED pilot vehicles and XM1 LRIP tanks were painted with the [[MERDC camouflage|MERDC 4-color paint scheme]],{{sfn|Zaloga|2019|p=6}} which is named after the center that developed it — the [[Mobility Equipment Research and Development Center]] (MERDC). Factory-applied [[forest green]] paint gave way to "Europe 1", a three-color pattern, in 1983 at the same time as [[Chemical Agent Resistant Coating]] (CARC) was adopted. Europe 1 consisted of Green 383, Brown 383, and black colors.{{sfn|Zaloga|2019|p=7}}

U.S. Army Abrams deployed to the Iraq War were painted Carc Tan 686A.{{sfn|Zaloga|2019|p=22}} Due to the increasing significance of American operations in Europe, the U.S. Army transitioned most of its vehicles to CARC Green 383 starting around 2017.{{sfn|Zaloga|2019|p=32}}

M1A1s came from the factory with the NATO three color camouflage Black/Med-Green/Dark-Brown CARC paint jobs.{{Citation needed|date=April 2008}} Today, M1A1s are given the NATO three color paint job during rebuilds. M1s and M1A1s deployed to Operation Desert Storm were hastily painted [[desert tan]]. Some, but not all, of these tanks were repainted to their "authorized" paint scheme. M1A2s built for Middle Eastern countries were painted in desert tan. Replacement parts (roadwheels, armor skirt panels, drive sprockets, etc.) are painted olive green, which can sometimes lead to vehicles with a patchwork of green and desert tan parts.

[[File:Armoured vehicles parading through Darwin on 25 April 2015.jpg|thumb|right|M1A1 in the Australian Army's Disruptive Pattern Camouflage, used for vehicles and [[materiel]].]]
Australian M1A1s are camouflaged in AUSCAM, a scheme that consists of black, olive drab, and brown.{{sfn|Zaloga|2019|p=40}}

====Concealment====
The turret is fitted with two six-barreled [[M250 grenade launcher|M250]] [[smoke grenade]] launchers (USMC M1A1s used an eight-barreled version), with one on each side. When deployed, the grenades [[Air burst|airburst]], creating a thick smoke that blocks both visual and [[Thermography|thermal imaging]]. The engine is also equipped with a vehicle engine exhaust smoke system (VEESS) that is triggered by the driver. When activated, fuel is sprayed into the hot turbine exhaust, creating thick smoke. This system was discontinued by the U.S. Army after it switched to JP-8 jet fuel in the 1990s{{sfn|Green|Stewart|2005|p=62-65}} due to the risk of fire.{{citation needed|date=January 2024}}<!-- Are the Intellitec Multisalvo M6 smoke grenade launchers worth mentioning?{{Sfn|Green|Stewart|2005|p=105}}-->

====Armor====
{{further|Chobham armor}}
{{multiple image
| perrow            = 2
| total_width       = 300
| image1            = M1 Abrams Hull Front Special Armor.jpg
| image2            = M1 Abrams Turret Bustle Side Special Armor.png
| image3            = M1 Abrams Hull Side Special Armor.jpg
| image4            = M1 Abrams Gun Shield Special Armor.jpg
| footer            = Configuration of M1 Abrams Chobham Special Armor. Clockwise from the top left: hull front, turret bustle side, gun shield, hull side.
}}
[[File:M1A Abrams im Taunus.jpg|thumb|Tankers drive an M1A1 Abrams through the [[Taunus|Taunus Mountains]] north of [[Frankfurt]], [[Germany]] during Exercise Ready Crucible in February 2005.]]
[[File:Trident Juncture 18 - U.S. Marines advance on Folldal 4871351.jpg|thumb|U.S. Marines with the 2nd Tank Battalion, [[2nd Marine Division (United States)|2nd Marine Division]], advance on their eastern objective defended by opposing [[Spanish Army|Spanish forces]] during [[Exercise Trident Juncture 2018|Exercise Trident Juncture]] 18 near Dalholen, [[Norway]], 3 November 2018.]]

In addition to conventional [[rolled homogeneous armor]] (RHA), the Abrams uses a secret British-developed Chobham [[composite armor]].

The M1 Abrams composite armor (referred to as "special armor" by the U.S. Army){{sfn|Green|Stewart|2005|p=18}} is most substantial at the front of the hull, where it is {{convert|2|feet}} at its thickest.{{sfn|Green|Stewart|2005|p=102}} The front of the hull is armored with composites. The Abrams turret features composite armor across both the front and the sides.<ref name="Special Armor classification">{{cite report |author1=PEO Close Combat Vehicles |title=Special Armor Security Classification Guide |date=16 February 1988 |url=https://static.warthunder.ru/upload/files/CIA-RDP91B00390R000300220014-8_18526c536b61b903b78d1571c3476c70.pdf |access-date=1 January 2024 |archive-date=28 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228070557/https://static.warthunder.ru/upload/files/CIA-RDP91B00390R000300220014-8_18526c536b61b903b78d1571c3476c70.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The armor is much thicker on the Abrams than on previous tanks. This is not a reflection of any weakness of Chobham armor—pound-for-pound Chobham is better at stopping shaped charges and kinetic projectiles. Rather, unlike RHA, Chobham is optimized against shaped charge projectiles. Effective shaped charges, particularly [[anti-tank guided missiles]], were a relatively new battlefield innovation. Lacking a breakthrough advance in novel armor material to negate shaped charges, previous tank designers had simply not found it practical to add the amount of RHA required to defeat shaped charges.{{sfn|Kelly|1989|pp=111–140}}

While the exact composition of the Abrams' composite armor remains a state secret, a generalization about how it works can be gleaned from what has been publicly said about it. It consists of ceramic blocks set in resin between layers of conventional armor.{{sfn|Green|Stewart|2005|p=96-97}}{{refn|group=nb|name=Chobham|Chobham could also incorporate nylon micromesh and/or [[titanium]]<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hambling |first1=David |title=Breakthrough ballistics |url=https://www.theguardian.com/science/2001/oct/11/physicalsciences.technology |access-date=1 January 2024 |work=The Guardian |date=11 October 2001}}</ref>}}{{sfn|Zaloga|2019|p=6}} The ceramic acts as a [[non-explosive reactive armor]] (NERA), disrupting [[shaped charge]]s. The NERA plates shatter on impact with the projectile, disrupting the penetrating jets of shaped charges; or in the case of kinetic rounds eroding the projectile.{{sfn|Green|Stewart|2005|p=96-97}}

For the M1 Abrams base model, military historian [[Steven Zaloga]] estimates the frontal armor at 350&nbsp;mm vs APFSDS and 700&nbsp;mm vs HEAT warhead in the book, ''M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank 1982–1992'' (1993).<ref>{{harvnb|Zaloga|Sarson|1993|pp=9–10}}: Zaloga gives another set of figures in this book {{convert|350|mm|abbr=on}} against APFSDS and {{convert|700|mm|abbr=on}} vs HEAT.</ref> In ''M1 Abrams vs T-72 Ural'' (2009), he uses Soviet estimates of {{convert|470|mm|abbr=on}} vs APFSDS and {{convert|650|mm|abbr=on}} vs HEAT for the base model Abrams. He also gives the Soviet estimates for the M1A1, {{convert|600|mm|abbr=on}} vs APFSDS, and {{convert|700|mm|abbr=on}} vs HEAT.<ref name="T-72vsM1">{{harvnb|Zaloga|2009|p=15}}: Author mentions that a Soviet report estimated the protection of the basic M1 to be equivalent to {{convert|470|mm|abbr=on}} steel armor against armor-piercing rounds and equivalent to {{convert|650|mm|abbr=on}} steel armor against shaped charge warheads.</ref>

Armor protection against [[Kinetic energy penetrator|kinetic energy rounds]] was improved by implementing a new special armor incorporating [[depleted uranium]] (DU). This was introduced into the M1A1 production starting October 1988.{{sfn|Hunnicutt|2015|p=245}} but at the expense of adding considerable weight to the tank, as depleted uranium is 1.7&nbsp;times denser than [[lead]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/2860759.stm |title=BBC: US to use depleted uranium |work=BBC News |date=18 March 2003 |access-date=9 June 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090519090657/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/2860759.stm |archive-date=19 May 2009}}</ref> The DU is applied to the backing plate of the turret armor arrays.

The first M1A1 tanks to receive this upgrade were tanks stationed in Germany. US-based tank battalions participating in Operation Desert Storm received an emergency program to upgrade their tanks with depleted uranium armor immediately before the onset of the campaign. M1A2 tanks uniformly incorporate depleted uranium armor, and all M1A1 tanks in active service have been upgraded to this standard as well.<ref name="Clancy">{{cite book |last1=Clancy |first1=Tom |title=Armoured Warfare: A Guided Tour of an Armoured Cavalry Regiment |date=1996 |publisher=HarperCollins |location=London |isbn=978-0-00-255525-8 |page=58 |url=https://archive.org/details/armouredwarfareg0000clan |access-date=1 January 2024}}</ref> This variant was designated as the M1A1HA (HA for Heavy Armor).<ref name="Zaloga_Sarson_11">{{harvnb|Zaloga|Sarson|1993|p=11}}</ref>

The M1A1 AIM, M1A2 SEP and all subsequent Abrams models feature depleted uranium.<ref>{{Cite journal|date=August 2006|title=The Army's Future Combat Systems Program and Alternatives |url=https://www.cbo.gov/sites/default/files/cbofiles/ftpdocs/74xx/doc7461/08-02-army.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://www.cbo.gov/sites/default/files/cbofiles/ftpdocs/74xx/doc7461/08-02-army.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-09 |url-status=live|journal=Congressional Budget Office Study|page=67}}</ref> Each Abrams variant after the M1A1 have been equipped with depleted uranium armor of different generations. The M1A1HA uses first-generation armor, while the M1A2 and M1A1HC use second generation depleted uranium. The M1A2 SEP variants have been equipped with third-generation depleted uranium armor combined with a graphite coating.

For the M1A1HA, Zaloga gives a frontal armor estimate of {{convert|600|mm|abbr=on}} vs APFSDS and {{convert|1300|mm|abbr=on}} vs HEAT in ''M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank 1982–1992'', nearly double the original protection of the Abrams.<ref name="Zaloga_Sarson_11" /> In ''M1 Abrams vs T-72 Ural'', he uses different estimates of {{convert|600|mm|abbr=on}} vs APFSDS and {{convert|700|mm|abbr=on}} vs HEAT for the front hull and {{convert|800|mm|abbr=on}} vs APFSDS and {{convert|1300|mm|abbr=on}} vs HEAT for the front of the turret.<ref name="T-72vsM1" /> The protection of M1A2 SEP is a frontal turret armor estimate of {{convert|940-960|mm|abbr=on}} vs APFSDS and {{convert|1320-1620|mm|abbr=on}} vs HEAT, glacis estimate of {{convert|560-590|mm|abbr=on}} vs APFSDS and {{convert|510-1050|mm|abbr=on}} vs HEAT, and lower front hull estimate of {{convert|580-650|mm|abbr=on}} vs APFSDS and {{convert|800-970|mm|abbr=on}} vs HEAT. The M1A2 SEPv3 increased the LOS thickness of the turret and hull front armor; total armor protection from this increase is not known.<ref name=autogenerated1/>

In 1998, a program was begun to incorporate improved hull, turret, and side armor into the M1A2. This was intended to offer better protection against rocket-propelled grenades that were more modern than the baseline RPG-7. These kits were installed on about 325 older M1A2 tanks in 2001–2009 and were also included in upgraded tanks.{{sfn|Zaloga|Sarson|1993|p=48}}

[[File:Abrams XM32 tile installation.jpg|thumb|right|A U.S. Army M1A1 with M32 tiles mounted on top of M19 reactive armor tiles in 2017.]]
The Abrams may also be fitted with explosive [[reactive armor]] over the track skirts if needed (such as the Tank Urban Survival Kit)<ref name=Army_TUSK_upgrades/> and [[slat armor]] over the rear of the tank and rear fuel cells to protect against [[Anti-tank missile|ATGMs]].

The 105&nbsp;mm M1 Abrams does not use [[spall liner]]s, though three 105&nbsp;mm rounds on the turret basket floor are covered with [[spall]] protection covers on the M1 tank variant.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Green |first1=Michael |title=M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank: The Combat and Development History of the General Dynamics M1 and M1A1 Tanks |date=1992 |publisher=Motorbooks International |isbn=0-87938-597-9 |pages=42, 67 |url=https://archive.org/details/m1abramsmainbatt0000gree/page/66/mode/2up?q=spall |access-date=28 December 2023}}</ref>

====Damage control====
The tank has a [[gaseous fire suppression|halon firefighting]] system to automatically extinguish fires in the crew compartment. The engine compartment has a firefighting system that is engaged by pulling a T-handle located on the left side of the hull. The Halon gas can be dangerous to the crew.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0634.html |title=NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards |publisher=CDC |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170818091459/https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0634.html |archive-date=18 August 2017}}</ref> However, the toxicity of [[Halon 1301]] gas at 7% concentration is much lower than the combustion products produced by fire in the crew compartment, and CO<sub>2</sub> dump would be lethal to the crew.<ref name="The_Chieftain">{{Citation|last=The_Chieftain|title=Chieftain Chats Abrams|date=14 October 2018 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aladW_D4nKU|access-date=21 February 2019|archive-date=14 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181014180752/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aladW_D4nKU&gl=US&hl=en |url-status=live}}</ref>

The crew compartment also contains small hand-held [[fire extinguisher]]s. Fuel and ammunition are stored in armored compartments with [[blowout panel]]s intended to protect the crew from the risk of the tank's own ammunition [[cooking off]] (exploding) if the tank is damaged. The main gun's ammunition is stored in the rear section of the turret, with blast doors that open under power by sliding sideways only to remove a round for firing, then automatically close. Doctrine mandates that the ammunition door must be closed before arming the main gun.<ref name="The_Chieftain"/>

====NBC protection====
Starting with the M1A1 variant [[CBRN defense|nuclear, biological, chemical]] protection was provided by a turret [[Overpressure (CBRN protection)|overpressure]] system. Previously the Abrams crew had been required to don [[NBC suit]]s in case of an NBC attack. NBC masks are still retained as a backup, and crews often train while wearing them to remain proficient and combat-effective in such a scenario.<ref name="M1 Tank Story">{{cite news |last1=Lett |first1=Philip W. |title=The M1 Tank Story |work=Marine Corps Gazette |agency=U.S Marine Corps |issue=August 1991}}</ref>

====Tank Urban Survival Kit====
[[File:OCPA-2005-03-09-165522.jpg|thumb|left|An M1A2 with TUSK]]

The Tank Urban Survival Kit (TUSK) is a series of improvements to the M1 Abrams intended to improve fighting ability in urban environments.<ref name=Army_TUSK_upgrades>{{cite web |url=https://www.army.mil/article/7495/modified-m1-a2-abrams-tanks-improve-safety-precision |title=Modified M1-A2 Abrams Tanks Improve Safety, Precision |date=19 February 2008 |access-date=22 July 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130515232734/http://www.army.mil/article/7495/modified-m1-a2-abrams-tanks-improve-safety-precision |archive-date=15 May 2013}}</ref> Historically, urban and other close battlefields have been poor places for tanks to fight. A tank's front armor is much stronger than that on the sides, top, or rear. In an urban environment, attacks can come from any direction, and attackers can get close enough to reliably hit weak points in the tank's armor or gain sufficient elevation to hit the top armor.

Armor upgrades include reactive armor on the sides of the tank and [[slat armor]] on the rear to protect against [[rocket-propelled grenade]]s and other shaped charge warheads.{{sfn|Green|Stewart|2005|p=93}} Abrams Reactive Armor Tile (ARAT) I consists of 32 XM19 reactive armor boxes added to the sides of the tank. ARAT II consists of rounded XM32 reactive armor tiles mounted over-top the XM19 tiles.{{sfn|Zaloga|2019|p=24-25}} A [[Transparent Armor Gun Shield]] and a thermal sight system are added to the loader's top-mounted M240B 7.62&nbsp;mm machine gun,{{sfn|Zaloga|2019|p=24-25}} and a [[Kongsberg Gruppen]] Remote Weapon Turret carrying a 12.7&nbsp;mm (.50 in) caliber machine gun (again similar to that used on the Stryker) is in place of the tank commander's original 12.7&nbsp;mm (.50 in) caliber machine gun mount, wherein the commander had to expose himself to fire the weapon manually. An exterior [[telephone]] allows supporting infantry to communicate with the tank commander.{{sfn|Zaloga|2019|p=24-25}}

[[File:M1A1 Abrams with Integrated Management System new Tank Urban Survivability Kit Dec. 2007.jpg|thumb|An M1A1 Abrams with an Abrams Integrated Management System (AIM) and the Tank Urban Survivability Kit (TUSK) conducting a patrol in Baghdad, 2007.]]

In August 2006, General Dynamics Land Systems received a U.S. Army order for 505 Tank Urban Survivability Kits (TUSK) for Abrams main battle tanks supporting operations in Iraq, under a US$45&nbsp;million contract. Deliveries were expected to be completed by April 2009.<ref name="TUSK_def_update">{{cite web |url=http://defense-update.com/products/t/tusk.htm|title=Tank Urban Survivability Kit (TUSK)|access-date=11 October 2014 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141013121147/http://defense-update.com/products/t/tusk.htm |archive-date=13 October 2014}}</ref> Under a separate order, the U.S. Army awarded General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products (GDATP) US$30 million to produce reactive armor kits to equip M1A2s.<ref name="TUSK_def_update" />

Tiles will be produced at the company's reactive armor facility in Stone County Operations, [[McHenry, Mississippi]]. In December 2006, the U.S. Army added Counter Improvised Explosive Device enhancements to the M1A1 and M1A2 TUSK, awarding GDLS $11.3&nbsp;million contract, part of the $59&nbsp;million package mentioned above. In December, GDLS also received an order, amounting to around 40% of a US$48&nbsp;million order, for loader's thermal weapon sights being part of the TUSK system improvements for the M1A1 and M1A2 Abrams Tanks.<ref name="TUSK_def_update" />

====Active protection system====
In addition to the armor, some USMC Abrams tanks were equipped with a [[Active protection system#Soft-kill measures|soft-kill active protection system]], the AN/VLQ-6 Missile Countermeasure Device (MCD) that can impede the function of guidance systems of some semi-active control line-of-sight ([[SACLOS]]) [[wire-guided missile|wire]]- and [[command guidance|radio guided]] anti-tank missiles (such as the Russian [[9K114 Shturm]]) and [[infrared homing]] missiles. These were not ready in time for the Gulf War. The MCD works by emitting a massive, condensed infrared signal to confuse the infrared homing seeker of an [[anti-tank guided missile]] (ATGM). However, the drawback to the system is that the ATGM is not destroyed, it is merely directed away from its intended target, leaving the missile to detonate elsewhere.<ref name="ActiveDefenseCountermeasures">{{cite web |url=http://www.defense-update.com/features/du-1-04/soft-kill-west.htm |title= Active Defense & Countermeasures |publisher=Defense Update.com |date=25 April 2006 |access-date=9 June 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090310041758/http://www.defense-update.com/features/du-1-04/soft-kill-west.htm |archive-date=10 March 2009}}</ref> During the Iraq War the U.S. Marine Corps equipped its M1A1s with AN/VLQ-8A electro-optical jammers.{{sfn|Green|Stewart|2005|p=107-108}}

[[File:M1A1 Trophy Technology Demonstrator.jpg|thumb|The Trophy Active Protection System (APS) was installed and tested on a USMC M1A1 Abrams in 2017.]]
In 2016, the U.S. Army and Marine Corps began testing the Israeli [[Trophy (countermeasure)|Trophy]] active protection system to protect their Abrams tanks from modern RPG and ATGM threats by either jamming (with ATGMs) or firing small rounds to deflect incoming projectiles.<ref>[https://news.usni.org/2016/04/14/walsh-marines-may-protect-tanks-with-active-and-ew-protection-systems-much-like-ship-self-defense Walsh: Marines May Protect Tanks With Active and EW Protection Systems, Much Like Ship Self-Defense] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160414131211/https://news.usni.org/2016/04/14/walsh-marines-may-protect-tanks-with-active-and-ew-protection-systems-much-like-ship-self-defense |date=14 April 2016}} – News.USNI.org, 14 April 2016</ref> The Army planned to field a brigade of over 80 tanks equipped with Trophy to Europe in 2020.<ref>[http://www.military.com/daily-news/2017/10/09/some-abrams-tanks-trophy-system-2020-army.html?ESRC=todayinmil.sm Some Abrams Tanks Will Have "Trophy" System By 2020: Army] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171011022416/http://www.military.com/daily-news/2017/10/09/some-abrams-tanks-trophy-system-2020-army.html?ESRC=todayinmil.sm |date=11 October 2017}} – Military.com, 9 October 2017</ref> It is planned for up to 261 Abrams to be upgraded with the system, enough for four brigades.<ref>[https://breakingdefense.com/2018/05/all-armored-brigades-to-get-active-protection-systems-gen-milley/ All Armored Brigades To Get Active Protection Systems: Gen. Milley] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180715011501/https://breakingdefense.com/2018/05/all-armored-brigades-to-get-active-protection-systems-gen-milley/ |date=15 July 2018}}. ''Breaking Defense''. 15 May 2018.</ref> In June 2018, the Army awarded [[Leonardo DRS]], U.S. partner to Trophy's designer [[Rafael Advanced Defense Systems|Rafael]], a $193 million contract to deliver the system in support of M1 Abrams "immediate operational requirements".<ref>[https://www.armytimes.com/news/2018/07/05/abrams-tanks-get-new-round-of-israeli-made-shields-to-fend-off-anti-tank-weapons/ Abrams tanks get new round of Israeli-made "shields" to fend off anti-tank weapons] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230114043747/https://www.armytimes.com/news/2018/07/05/abrams-tanks-get-new-round-of-israeli-made-shields-to-fend-off-anti-tank-weapons/ |date=14 January 2023}}. ''Army Times''. 6 July 2018.</ref> U.S. Army M1A2 SEPv2 Abrams tanks deployed to Germany in July 2020 fitted with Trophy systems.{{citation needed|date=April 2025}} Deliveries to equip four tank brigades were completed in January 2021.<ref>[https://breakingdefense.com/2021/01/army-tries-again-to-protect-stryker-rafael-or-rheinmetall/ Army Tries (Again) To Protect Stryker: Rafael or Rheinmetall?] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111054635/https://breakingdefense.com/2021/01/army-tries-again-to-protect-stryker-rafael-or-rheinmetall/ |date=11 January 2021}}. ''Breaking Defense''. 8 January 2021.</ref>

===Armament===

====Primary====

====M68A1 rifled gun====
[[File:XM1 Abrams interior.jpg|thumb|right|XM1 interior]]
[[File:U.S Army M1 Abrams 105 mm rounds laid out Desert Shield.jpg|thumb|right|105&nbsp;mm APFSDS rounds being laid out in Operation Desert Shield, 1991.]]

The main armament of the original model M1 and IPM1 was the M68A1 105&nbsp;mm rifled tank gun firing a variety of [[armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot]] (APFSDS), [[high-explosive anti-tank]] (HEAT), high explosive, [[white phosphorus]] rounds and an [[anti-personnel]] (multiple [[flechette]]) round. This gun used a license-made tube of the British [[Royal Ordnance L7]] gun together with the vertical sliding breech block and other parts of the U.S. T254E2 prototype gun. However, a longer ranged weapon was always envisaged, with lethality beyond {{convert|3|km|adj=on|sp=us|order=flip}} to combat newer armor technologies. To attain that lethality, the projectile diameter needed to be increased. The tank was able to carry 55 105&nbsp;mm rounds, with 44 stored in the turret blowout compartment and the rest in hull stowage.

Being non-combustible, the empty cartridge cases of the M1 variant accumulated on the turret floor after firing. After allowing some time to cool, they were ejected out of the hatch by the loader.{{sfn|Green|Stewart|2005|p=62-65}}

====M256 smoothbore gun====
The main armament of the M1A1 and M1A2 is the M256 120&nbsp;mm smoothbore gun, designed by Rheinmetall AG of Germany, manufactured under license in the U.S. by [[Watervliet Arsenal]], New York. The M256 is an improved variant of the [[Rheinmetall 120&nbsp;mm gun|Rheinmetall 120&nbsp;mm L/44 gun]] carried on the German [[Leopard 2]] on all variants up to the Leopard 2A5, the difference being in thickness and chamber pressure. Leopard 2A6 replaced the L/44 barrel with a longer L/55. Due to the increased caliber, only 40 or 42 rounds are able to be stored depending on if the tank is an A1 or A2 model.
* Elevation: −9 to +20 degree

[[File:US Army M1 Abrams exercise.ogv|thumb|left|M1 Abrams during a U.S. Army firing exercise, displaying internal crew cabin operations.]]

The M256 fires ammunition with combustible cartridge cases made out of [[nitrocellulose]]. The cartridges were safer against premature ignition and flarebacks than earlier combustible cartridge rounds, but not entirely accident-proof.{{sfn|Green|Stewart|2005|p=62-65}} The M256 fires a variety of rounds. The primary APFSDS round of the Abrams is the depleted uranium [[M829]] round, of which four variants have been designed. [[M829#M829A1|M829A1]], known as the "Silver Bullet", saw widespread service in the Gulf War, where it proved itself against Iraqi armor such as the T-72. The [[M829#M829A2|M829A2]] APFSDS round was developed specifically as an immediate solution to address the improved protection of a Russian [[T-72]], [[T-80]]U or [[T-90]] main battle tank equipped with [[Kontakt-5]] explosive reactive armor (ERA).<ref name=autogenerated1/>

Later, the [[M829#M829A3|M829A3]] round was introduced in 2002 to improve its effectiveness against next-generation ERA equipped tanks.{{sfn|Green|Stewart|2005|p=70}} Development of the [[M829]] series is continuing with the [[M829#M829A4|M829A4]] currently entering production, featuring advanced technology such as data-link capability.<ref>{{cite web |title=Next-Gen 120&nbsp;mm Tank Killer: ATK's M829E4 AKE |work=Defense Industry Daily |url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/Next-Gen-120mm-Tank-Killer-ATKs-M829E4-AKE-06995/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716123723/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/Next-Gen-120mm-Tank-Killer-ATKs-M829E4-AKE-06995/|archive-date=16 July 2011}}</ref>

[[File:M1 Abrams turret fire above.jpg|thumb|left|An M1A1 firing its main gun as seen from the loader's hatch in joint exercises with the [[French Foreign Legion]].]]
The Abrams also fires HEAT warhead shaped charge rounds such as the [[M830]], the latest version of which ([[M830#M830A1 HEAT MP-T|M830A1]]) incorporates a sophisticated multi-mode electronic sensing [[Fuse (explosives)|fuse]] and more fragmentation that allows it to be used effectively against armored vehicles, personnel, and low-flying aircraft. The Abrams uses a manual loader, who also provides additional support for maintenance, observation post/listening post (OP/LP) operations, and other tasks.

The new M1028 120&nbsp;mm anti-personnel [[Canister shot|canister]] cartridge was brought into service early for use in the [[Timeline of the Iraq War#2003|aftermath of the 2003 invasion of Iraq]]. It contains 1,098 {{convert|3/8|in|adj=on}} tungsten balls that spread from the muzzle to produce a [[shotgun]] effect lethal out to {{convert|600|m|sp=us}}. The tungsten balls can be used to clear enemy dismounts, break up hasty ambush sites in urban areas, clear [[defile (geography)|defiles]], stop infantry attacks and counter-attacks and support friendly infantry assaults by providing covering fire. The canister round is also a highly effective breaching round and can level cinder block walls and knock man-sized holes in reinforced concrete walls for infantry raids at distances up to {{convert|75|m|sp=us}}.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Hilmes |first=Rolf |date=1 December 2004 |page=79 |title=Arming Future MBTs&nbsp;– Some Considerations |journal=Military Technology |publisher=Mönsch}}</ref>

Also in use is the M908 obstacle-reduction round. It is designed to destroy obstacles and barriers. The round is a modified [[M830#M830A1|M830A1]] with the front fuse replaced by a steel nose to penetrate into the obstacle before detonation.<ref>[http://www.atk.com/products-services/m908-he-or-t-ammunition-120-mm-2/ "M908 HE-OR-T"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112033858/http://www.atk.com/products-services/m908-he-or-t-ammunition-120-mm-2/ |date=12 November 2014}}. ATK.com</ref>

The U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) conducted a thermal analysis of the M256 from 2002 to 2003 to evaluate the potential of using a hybrid barrel system that would allow for multiple weapon systems such as the XM1111 Mid-Range munition, airburst rounds, or [[M1147 Advanced Multi-Purpose|XM1147]]. The test concluded that mesh density (number of elements per unit area) impacts accuracy of the M256 and specific densities would be needed for each weapon system.<ref>{{cite report |last1=South |first1=Joseph T. |last2=Carter |first2=Robert H. |title=Thermal Analysis of an M256 120-mm Cannon |publisher=Defense Technical Information Center |publication-place=Fort Belvoir, VA |date=1 August 2005 |doi=10.21236/ada437279 |page=}}</ref>

In 2013, the Army was developing a new round to replace the [[M830]]/[[M830#M830A1|M830A1]], M1028, and M908. Called the [[M1147 Advanced Multi-Purpose|M1147]] Advanced Multi-Purpose [[M1147 Advanced Multi-Purpose|XM1147 Advanced Multi-Purpose]] (AMP) round, it will have point detonation, delay, and [[airburst round|airburst]] modes through an ammunition data-link and a multi-mode, programmable fuse in a single munition. Having one round that does the job of four would simplify logistics and be able to be used on a variety of targets. The AMP is to be effective against bunkers, infantry, light armor, and obstacles out to {{convert|500|m|abbr=on}}, and will be able to breach reinforced concrete walls and defeat [[ATGM]] teams from {{convert|500|to|2000|m|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite conference |url=http://www.dtic.mil/ndia/2012armaments/TuesdayPaulHill.pdf |conference=NDIA Joint Armaments Conference PM Panel|title=Advanced Multi Purpose (AMP) Overview and Status|last=Hill|first=Paul|date=May 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114131039/http://www.dtic.mil/ndia/2012armaments/TuesdayPaulHill.pdf|page=26 |archive-date=14 November 2012}}</ref><ref>[https://www.army.mil/article/98946/Army_developing_new_120mm_AMP_tank_round/ Army developing new 120&nbsp;mm AMP tank round]  – Army.mil, 19 March 2014</ref> [[Orbital ATK]] was awarded a contract to begin the first phase of development for the AMP [[M1147 Advanced Multi-Purpose|XM1147]] High-Explosive Multi-Purpose with Tracer cartridge in October 2015.<ref>[http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20151008005038/en/Orbital-ATK-Awarded-16-Million-Develop-Generation Orbital ATK Awarded $16 Million to Develop Next Generation 120&nbsp;mm Tank Ammo] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151012025901/http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20151008005038/en/Orbital-ATK-Awarded-16-Million-Develop-Generation |date=12 October 2015}} – Businesswire.com, 8 October 2015</ref> As of 2024 the round is undergoing the final testing stages, with the full-rate production decision scheduled for the end of the year.<ref>{{cite report |author1=Office of the Secretary of Defense |title=FY 2023 Annual Report - Director, Operational Test & Evaluation |date=January 2024 |pages=83–84 |url=https://www.dote.osd.mil/Portals/97/pub/reports/FY2023/other/2023annual-report.pdf |access-date=20 March 2024}}</ref>

In addition to these, the [[XM1111 Mid-Range Munition|XM1111]] (Mid-Range-Munition Chemical Energy) was also in development. The XM1111 was a guided munition using a dual-mode seeker that combined imaging-infrared and semi-active laser guidance. The MRM-CE was selected over the competing MRM-KE, which used a rocket-assisted kinetic energy penetrator. The CE variant was chosen due to its better effects against secondary targets, providing a more versatile weapon. The Army hoped to achieve IOC with the XM1111 by 2013.<ref>{{cite web|title=Clank Softly and Carry a Better Shillelagh |work=Defense Industry Daily |url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/xm1111-clank-softly-and-carry-a-better-shillelagh-04544/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607011307/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/xm1111-clank-softly-and-carry-a-better-shillelagh-04544/|archive-date=7 June 2011}}</ref> However, the Mid-Range Munition was canceled in 2010 along with Future Combat Systems.{{sfn|Zaloga|2019|p=28}}

====Secondary====
[[File:M1 Abrams 1981 Gunner and Coax M240.jpg|thumb|right|A commander (left) and loader man their 12.7&nbsp;mm M2HB and 7.62&nbsp;mm M240 machine guns of their 105&nbsp;mm-armed M1 in 1981]]

The Abrams tank has three machine guns, with an optional fourth:
# A .50 cal. ([[.50 BMG|12.7&nbsp;mm]]) [[M2 Browning|M2HB]] machine gun in front of the commander's hatch. On the M1 and M1A1, this gun is mounted on the Commander's Weapons Station. This allows the weapon to be aimed and fired from within the tank. Normal combat loadout for the M1A1 is a single 100-round box of ammo at the weapon, and another 900 rounds carried. The later M1A2 variant had a "flex" mount that required the tank commander to expose his or her upper torso in order to fire the weapon. In urban environments in Iraq this was found to be unsafe. With the Common Remote Operated Weapons System ([[CROWS]]) add-on kit, an M2A1 .50 Caliber Machine gun, M240, or [[M249 light machine gun|M249 SAW]] can be mounted on a CROWS remote weapons platform (similar to the [[Protector (RWS)|Protector M151]] remote weapon station used on the [[Stryker]] family of vehicles). Current variants of the Tank Urban Survival Kit (TUSK) on the M1A2 have forgone this,{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} instead adding transparent gun shields to the commander's weapon station.{{sfn|Zaloga|2019|p=24-25}} The upgrade variant called the M1A1 Abrams Integrated Management (AIM) equips the .50 caliber gun with a thermal sight for accurate night and other low-visibility shooting.<ref name="generaldynamics1">{{cite press release |url=http://generaldynamics.com/news/press_releases/2008/newsrelease%20september%205,%202008-3.htm |title=General Dynamics Awarded $34 Million for M1A1 Abrams Tank Upgrades |publisher=General Dynamics |date=5 September 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100103064632/http://generaldynamics.com/news/press_releases/2008/NewsRelease%20September%205%2C%202008-3.htm |archive-date=3 January 2010}}</ref>
# A [[7.62×51mm NATO|7.62&nbsp;mm]] [[M240 machine gun]] in front of the loader's hatch on a skate mount (seen at right). Some of these were fitted with [[gun shield]]s during the Iraq War, as well as night-vision scopes for low-visibility engagements and firing. This gun can be moved to the TC's position if the M2 .50 cal is damaged.
# A second 7.62&nbsp;mm M240 machine gun in a [[coaxial gun|coaxial]] mount (i.e., it points at the same targets as the main gun) to the right of the main gun. The coaxial MG is aimed and fired with the same computerized firing control system used for the main gun. On earlier M1 and M1A1s 3000 rounds are carried, all linked together and ready to fire. This was reduced slightly in later models to make room for new system electronics. A typical 7.62&nbsp;mm combat loadout is between 10,000 and 14,000 rounds carried on each tank.
# (Optional) A second coaxial .50 cal. (12.7&nbsp;mm) M2HB machine gun can be mounted directly above the main gun in a remote weapons platform as part of the CSAMM (Counter Sniper Anti Material Mount) package.

====Aiming====
[[File:DOD_108011149.webm|thumb|right|Locations of the gunner's sights and other components on a U.S. Army M1A2 Abrams (video)]]
[[File:M1A2 Abrams Thermal Sight.jpg|thumb|View through an M1A2 Abrams' thermal optic]]
The Abrams is equipped with a ballistic [[fire-control system|fire-control computer]] that uses user and system-supplied data from a variety of sources to compute, display, and incorporate the three components of a ballistic solution—lead angle, ammunition type, tube wear, propellant temperature, wind speed, air temperature, the relative motions of the target and the Abrams, and range to the target—to accurately fire the main gun.{{sfn|Green|Stewart|2005|p=77}} These three components are determined using a [[laser rangefinder]], crosswind sensor, a [[pendulum]] static cant sensor, data concerning performance and flight characteristics of each specific type of round, tank-specific boresight alignment data, ammunition temperature, air temperature, barometric pressure, a muzzle reference system (MRS) that determines and compensates for barrel drop at the muzzle due to gravitational pull and barrel heating due to firing or sunlight, and target speed determined by tracking rate tachometers in the Gunner's or Commander's Controls Handles.

All of these factors are computed into a ballistic solution and updated 30 times per second. The updated solution is displayed in the Gunner's or Tank Commander's field of view in the form of a reticle in both day and thermal modes.<ref name="M1A1 FCS">{{cite report |last1=Leu |first1=Michael |last2=Irwin |first2=Alan |last3=William |first3=Weil |last4=Jerome |first4=Hahn |title=Battlefield Management And Fire Control System for M1A1|date=15 February 1986 |pages=5–6, 5–11 |url=https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/ADA182331.pdf |access-date=1 January 2024}}</ref> The ballistic computer manipulates the turret and a complex arrangement of mirrors so that all one has to do is keep the reticle on the target and fire to achieve a hit. Proper lead and gun tube elevation are applied to the turret by the computer, greatly simplifying the job of the gunner.{{Citation needed|date=August 2010}}

[[File:DA-SD-06-06814.jpg|thumb|left|A soldier assisting in the critical job of "boresighting" the alignment of all the tank's sights to the center of the axis of the bore of the main gun on an M1A1 Abrams in [[Mosul]], Iraq, in January 2005{{refn|group=nb|name=Hand signals|Hand signals enable the gunner inside the tank to train the main gun onto a boresighting target.}}]]

The fire control system on the M1 and M1A1 variants is the [[Computing Devices Canada]] ballistic computer system.{{sfn|Cullen|Foss|1997|p=343}} On the M1A2 the Fire Control Electronics Unit is manufactured by GDLS.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hammick |first1=Murray |title=Abrams M1A2 |work=International Defense Review |issue=9 |publisher=Jane's Information Group |date=1990 |location=Surrey |page=1045}}</ref> The laser designator is a [[Hughes Aircraft Company|Hughes]] model.{{sfn|Cullen|Foss|1997|p=447}} This fire control system uses this data to compute a [[firing solution]] for the gunner. The ballistic solution generated ensures a hit percentage greater than 95&nbsp;percent at nominal ranges.{{Citation needed|date=August 2010}} Either the commander or gunner can fire the main gun. Additionally, the Commander's Independent Thermal Viewer (CITV) on the M1A2 can be used to locate targets and pass them on for the gunner to engage while the commander scans for new targets.

If the primary sight system malfunctions or is damaged, the main and coaxial weapons can be manually aimed using a telescopic scope [[Boresight (firearm)|boresighted]] to the main gun known as the Gunner's Auxiliary Sight (GAS). The GAS has two interchangeable [[reticle]]s; one for HEAT and ''multi-purpose anti-tank'' (MPAT) ammunition and one for APFSDS and ''Smart Target-Activated Fire and Forget'' (STAFF) ammunition. Turret traverse and main gun elevation can be performed with manual handles and cranks if the ''fire control'' or ''hydraulic'' systems fail.

The commander's M2HB .50&nbsp;caliber machine gun on the M1 and M1A1 is aimed by a 3× magnification sight incorporated into the Commander's Weapon Station (CWS), while the M1A2 uses the machine gun's own [[iron sights]], or a remote aiming system such as the Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS) system when used as part of the Tank Urban Survival Kit. The loader's M240 machine gun is aimed either with the built-in iron sights or with a thermal scope mounted on the machine gun.{{Citation needed|date=August 2010}}

[[File:The Abrams Integrated Display and Targeting System, or AIDATS,.jpg|thumb|Abrams Integrated Display and Targeting System (AIDATS) on a USMC M1A1]]
In late 2017, the 400 USMC M1A1 Abrams were to be upgraded with better and longer-range sights on the Abrams Integrated Display and Targeting System (AIDATS) replacing the black-and-white camera view with a color sight and day/night thermal sight, simplified handling with a single set of controls, and a slew to cue button that repositions the turret with one command. Preliminary testing showed the upgrades reduced target engagement time from six seconds to three by allowing the commander and gunner to work more closely and collaborate better on target acquisition.<ref>[http://www.dodbuzz.com/2016/08/23/abrams-tank-upgrades-will-give-marines-killer-edge/ Abrams Tank Upgrades Will Give Marines 'Killer Edge'] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160824062936/http://www.dodbuzz.com/2016/08/23/abrams-tank-upgrades-will-give-marines-killer-edge/ |date=24 August 2016}} – DoDBuzz.com, 23 August 2016</ref><ref>[https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/articles/marines-m1a1-tanks-are-about-to-get-even-more-awesome Marines' M1A1 tanks: How an upgrade will help make them more lethal] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160827201232/https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/articles/marines-m1a1-tanks-are-about-to-get-even-more-awesome |date=27 August 2016}} – MarineCorpstimes.com, 26 August 2016</ref>

===Mobility===

====Tactical====
[[File:AGT1500 engine and M1 tank.JPEG|thumb|Marines from 1st Tank Battalion load a [[Honeywell AGT1500]] multifuel turbine back into a tank at Camp Coyote, Kuwait, February 2003.]]
{{see also|AGT1500}}

The M1 Abrams's [[powertrain]] consists of an AGT1500 [[multifuel]] gas turbine (originally made by [[Lycoming Engines|Lycoming]], now [[Honeywell]]) capable of {{convert|1500|shp|kW|sp=us}} at 30,000 [[Revolutions per minute|rpm]] and {{convert|395|lb·ft|Nm|abbr=on}} at 10,000 rpm and a six-speed (four forward, two reverse) [[Allison Transmission|Allison]] X-1100-3B Hydro-Kinetic [[automatic transmission]]. This gives it a governed top speed of {{convert|45|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} on paved roads, and {{convert|30|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} cross-country. With the engine governor removed, speeds of around {{convert|60|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} are possible on an improved surface. However, damage to the drivetrain (especially to the tracks) and an increased risk of injuries to the crew can occur at speeds above {{convert|45|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on}}.

The tank was built around this engine and it is multifuel-capable, including diesel, gasoline, [[marine diesel oil|marine diesel]] and [[jet fuel]] (such as [[JP-4]] or [[JP-8]]).<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.honeywell.com/sites/aero/Turboprops3_CDF1BA7AE-8A37-9A78-EC1A-E00A4B74F3E9_H52422376-8368-1EC3-AA6D-83165D399CBF.htm |title=Honeywell Aerospace – AGT1500 |access-date=21 January 2023 |archive-date=8 March 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080308153949/http://www.honeywell.com/sites/aero/Turboprops3_CDF1BA7AE-8A37-9A78-EC1A-E00A4B74F3E9_H52422376-8368-1EC3-AA6D-83165D399CBF.htm |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-17629659_ITM |title=Heavy duty: overhaul under way for Abrams tank engine |publisher=Accessmylibrary.com |date= 1 September 2006 |access-date= 9 June 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090111230441/http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-17629659_ITM |archive-date=11 January 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Roblin |first1=Sebastien |title=The US's powerful Abrams tanks are heading to Ukraine, but generals disagree over how hard it'll be to use them on the battlefield |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/generals-disagree-on-difficulty-of-using-abrams-tanks-for-ukraine-2023-2 |work=Business Insider |agency=19fortyfive |publisher=Insider |date= 1 February 2023 |access-date= 2 April 2025}}</ref> In the AGT1500, jet fuel has poorer fuel economy and operating range compared to diesel. By 1989, the Army was transitioning solely to JP-8 for the M1 Abrams, part of a plan to reduce the service's [[logistics]] burden by using a single fuel for aviation and ground vehicles.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Evans |first1=David |title=Tanks Running on Poor Ideas and Bad Planning |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1989-09-01-8901090654-story.html |access-date=21 January 2023 |work=Chicago Tribune |publisher=Tribune Publishing |date=1 September 1989}}</ref> The Australian M1A1 AIM SA burns diesel fuel, since the use of JP-8 is less common in the Australian Army.{{citation needed|date=March 2023}}

[[File:M1a1 drivers hole.jpg|thumb|left|M1A1 driving controls]]
[[File:M1A1 auxiliary power unit Saudi Arabia.jpg|thumb|left|An American M1A1 fitted with an external [[auxiliary power unit]] in Operation Desert Storm]]

The gas turbine propulsion system has proven quite reliable in practice and combat, but its high fuel consumption is a serious logistic problem.<ref name=autogenerated1/> It burns between 1.5 and 3 gallons per mile.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Jon |first=Jackson |date=2023-01-25 |title=Game-changing Abrams tanks present one glaring problem for Ukraine |url=https://www.newsweek.com/us-abrams-tanks-fueling-problems-ukraine-1776639 |access-date=2024-09-10 |publisher=[[Newsweek]] |language=en}}</ref>

The turbine is very quiet when compared to diesel engines of similar power output and produces a high-pitched whine, reducing the audible distance of the sound, thus earning the Abrams the nickname "whispering death" during its worldwide debut at the 1982 [[Reforger]] exercise.{{sfn|Kelly|1989|p=267}}<ref name=Grummitt>{{cite book |last1=Grummitt |first1=David |title=M1 Abrams: The U.S's Main Battle Tank in American and Foreign Service, 1981–2019 |year=2019 |publisher=Pen & Sword |location=South Yorkshire |isbn=978-1-526749772 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hOMSEAAAQBAJ&dq=%22whispering+death%22+reforger&pg=PT37 |access-date=8 January 2024}}</ref>

By the time production of the AGT1500 ended in 1994, the U.S. had purchased 12,000 such engines. In 2006 the Army awarded Honeywell a contract to overhaul 1000 engines, with options for up to 3000 more.<ref>{{cite news |title=Overhaul under way for Abrams tank engine |url=https://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2006/9/1/2006september--overhaul-under-way-for-abrams-tank-engine |access-date=5 June 2024 |work=www.nationaldefensemagazine.org |date=1 September 2006}}</ref>

The Army received proposals, including two diesel options, to provide the common engine for the [[XM2001 Crusader]] and Abrams. In 2000, the Army selected the gas turbine engine LV100-5 from Honeywell and subcontractor [[General Electric]].<ref name="Honeywell selected">{{cite news |last1=Dupont |first1=Daniel G. |title=Tanks Won't Be Converted to Diesel: Honeywell Turbine Engine Picked for Abrams Fleet, Crusader System |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/43985032 |access-date=7 February 2022 |work=Inside the Army |issue=38 |publisher=Inside Washington Publishers |date=25 September 2000 |volume=12 |pages=1, 11 |jstor=43985032 |archive-date=7 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220207070455/https://www.jstor.org/stable/43985032 |url-status=live}}</ref> The new LV100-5 engine was smaller (43% fewer parts) with rapid acceleration, quieter running, and no visible exhaust.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.geae.com/engines/military/lv100/index.html |title=GE – Aviation: LV100 |access-date=7 August 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080607052044/http://www.geae.com/engines/military/lv100/index.html |archive-date=7 June 2008}}</ref> It also featured a 33% reduction in fuel consumption (50% less when idle) and near drop-in replacement.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.geae.com/engines/military/lv100/spotlight_advantages.html |title=GE – Aviation: LV100 Advantages |access-date=7 August 2008 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080618180930/http://www.geae.com/engines/military/lv100/spotlight_advantages.html |archive-date=18 June 2008}}</ref> The Common Engine Program was shelved when the Crusader program was canceled. Phase 2 of Army's PROSE (Partnership for Reduced O&S Costs, Engine) program, however, called for further development of the LV100-5 and replacement of the current AGT1500 engine.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/aim-programs-m1a1-tank-refits-and-rebuilds-continue-0440/ |title=AIM Program's M1A1 Tank Refits and Rebuilds Continue |publisher=Defenseindustrydaily.com |date=2 May 2005 |access-date=9 June 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090714194319/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/aim-programs-m1a1-tank-refits-and-rebuilds-continue-0440/ |archive-date=14 July 2009}}</ref>

[[File:US Navy 031214-N-3236B-008 A Marine from the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (13th MEU) Tank Platoon BLT 1-1 stationed at Twentynine Palms, Calif., directs an M1-A1 Abrams tank during a training exercise.jpg|thumb|A U.S. Marine M1A1 fitted with snorkel attachment and [[bustle rack]] extension]]

From 1991 to 1994, the Army fitted 1,500 Abrams turrets with external [[auxiliary power unit]]s (APU). APUs allow some the Abrams to run some functions without running on the engine. Some Abrams tanks that saw service during the Gulf War were fitted with such a device.{{sfn|Zaloga|2009|p=20}} Although the Army favored an under-armor APU, Congress instead funded a short-term modification to 336 M1A2 Abrams. These were installed in 1997.{{sfn|Zaloga|2009|p=19}} An under-armor APU located in the hull was chosen for the M1A2 SEP variant. When this proved unreliable, it was replaced with a battery-based Alternate APU starting in 2005.{{sfn|Zaloga|2009|p=20}}

[[File:White Falcons Integrate Armor Support for Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise in New Mexico 150930-A-DP764-009.jpg|thumb|[[82nd Airborne Division|82nd Airborne]] [[paratrooper]]s ride on an M1 Abrams by [[tank desant]].]]
Although the M1 tank is not designed to carry riders easily, provisions exist for the Abrams to transport troops in [[tank desant]] with the turret stabilization device switched off. A battle-equipped infantry squad may ride on the rear of the tank, behind the turret. The soldiers can use ropes and equipment straps to provide handholds and snap links to secure themselves.<ref name="passenger">{{cite book |title=U.S. Army Warrior Ethos And Combat Skills Handbook (Field Manual No. 3‑21.75) |year=2009 |publisher=Morris Book Publishing, LLC |isbn=978-1-59921-819-9 |url=https://rdl.train.army.mil/soldierPortal/atia/adlsc/view/public/24572-1/FM/3-21.75/ |chapter-url=https://rdl.train.army.mil/soldierPortal/atia/adlsc/view/public/24572-1/FM/3-21.75/chap7.htm |author=Department of the Army |access-date=2 June 2010 |chapter=7 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720003542/https://rdl.train.army.mil/soldierPortal/atia/adlsc/view/public/24572-1/FM/3-21.75/ |archive-date=20 July 2011}}</ref><!-- A statement about how often this is actually used would be good, if a source is available for that, thanks. -->

The Abrams T156 is a permanently bonded rubber track pad, a distinctive feature not found on any other tank. Unlike other tanks with replaceable track pads, on the Abrams, a worn track pad is remedied by replacing the entire track shoe. The Abrams non-removable track pads save weight but are less desirable in snow as the pads cannot be replaced with [[grouser]]s.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Williams |first1=Greg |title=The Army's M1 Tank: Has It Lived Up To Expectations? |journal=POGO |date=12 June 1990 |url=https://www.pogo.org/reports/armys-m1-tank-has-it-lived-up-to-expectations |access-date=27 December 2023}}</ref> As of 2007, M1 Abrams track wear constitutes the second-largest consumable expense in the U.S. Army, surpassed only by [[Meals, Ready to Eat]] consumption.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Harris |first1=Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin |title=King of the Killing Zone: How Well Has It Held Up? |journal=Armor |issue=July–August 2007 |pages=18–20 |url=https://www.moore.army.mil/armor/eARMOR/content/issues/2007/JUL_AUG/ArmorJulyAugust2007web.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227031845/https://www.moore.army.mil/armor/eARMOR/content/issues/2007/JUL_AUG/ArmorJulyAugust2007web.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 December 2023 |access-date=27 December 2023}}{{Source-attribution}}</ref> In 1988 the Army awarded [[FMC Corporation]] a contract for T158 tracks rated for {{convert|2100|miles}}, or about double the life of the previous shoe.{{sfn|Kelly|1989|pp=244–245}} These feature replaceable pads and are about 3000 pounds heavier.{{sfn|Hunnicutt|2015|p=248-249}} The driver is equipped with a thermal viewer. On at least some models this is the Hughes AN/VAS-3.{{sfn|Cullen|Foss|1997|p=424}}

====Strategic====
[[File:DF-SD-06-12692.jpg|thumb|A U.S. Army M1A1 after being offloaded from a U.S. Air Force [[C-17 Globemaster III|C-17]] at [[Balad Air Base]], Iraq in 2004]]
[[File:M1 strategic mobility.jpg|thumb|A Marine M1A1 offloading from a [[Landing Craft Air Cushioned]] vehicle]]

Strategic mobility is the ability of the tanks of an armed force to arrive in a timely, cost effective, and synchronized fashion. The Abrams can be carried by a [[C-5 Galaxy]] or a [[C-17 Globemaster III]]. The limited capacity (two combat-ready tanks in a C-5, one combat-ready tank in a C-17) caused serious logistical problems when deploying the tanks for the first Gulf War, though there was enough time for 1,848 tanks to be transported by ship.

The Marines transported their [[Marine Air-Ground Task Force]] Abrams tanks by combat ship. A ''[[Wasp class amphibious assault ship|Wasp]]''-class [[Landing Helicopter Dock]] (LHD) typically carried a platoon of four to five tanks attached to the deployed [[Marine Expeditionary Unit]], which were then amphibiously transported to shore by [[Landing Craft Air Cushion]] (LCAC) at one combat-ready tank per landing craft.

The Abrams is also transportable by truck, namely the [[Oshkosh M1070]] and M1000 [[Heavy Equipment Transporter System]] (HETS) for the US Military. The HETS can operate on highways, secondary roads, and cross-country. It accommodates the four tank crew members.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.army.mil/factfiles/equipment/wheeled/m1070.html |title=M1070 Heavy Equipment Transporter (HET) Fact File United States Army |publisher=Army.mil |access-date=30 June 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100706020118/http://www.army.mil/factfiles/equipment/wheeled/m1070.html |archive-date=6 July 2010}}</ref> The Australian Army uses customized [[MAN SE|MAN]] trucks to transport its Abrams.<ref>{{cite news |title=Enter the Abrams |url=https://www.australiandefence.com.au/D4B755E0-F806-11DD-8DFE0050568C22C9 |access-date=31 August 2021 |work=Australian Defence Magazine |date=10 January 2008 |language=en |archive-date=31 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831233756/https://www.australiandefence.com.au/D4B755E0-F806-11DD-8DFE0050568C22C9 |url-status=live}}</ref>

The first instance of the Abrams being airlifted directly into a battlefield occurred in October 1993. Following the [[Battle of Mogadishu (1993)|Battle of Mogadishu]], 18 M1 tanks were airlifted by C-5 aircraft to Somalia from [[Hunter Army Airfield]], Georgia.<ref>{{cite news |last=Haulman |first=Daniel L. |title=The United States Air Force In Somalia, 1992–1995 |url=http://www.dafhistory.af.mil/Portals/16/documents/Airmen-at-War/Haulman-USAFSomalia1992-1995.pdf?ver%3D2016-08-22-131410-337&usg=AFQjCNFCsGZTGkPjFg1zB2quBMa5EMKI-A |access-date=28 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170928193337/http://www.afhra.af.mil/Portals/16/documents/Airmen-at-War/Haulman-USAFSomalia1992-1995.pdf?ver%3D2016-08-22-131410-337&usg=AFQjCNFCsGZTGkPjFg1zB2quBMa5EMKI-A |archive-date=28 September 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Leland |first=John W. |title=The Chronological History Of The C-5 Galaxy |url=https://www.amc.af.mil/Portals/12/documents/AFD-131018-052.pdf |work=? |access-date=29 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010084126/http://www.amc.af.mil/Portals/12/documents/AFD-131018-052.pdf |archive-date=10 October 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Issues ===

==== Air filter clog ====
In a NSIA report on the Abrams in the Gulf War, crews reported issues related to the turbine engine, other than the fuel consumption concerns, they noted the Abrams suffered from sand clogging the filters<ref>GAO. [https://www.gao.gov/assets/nsiad-92-94.pdf "Report to the Chairman, Subcommittee on Regulation, Business Opportunities, and Energy, Committee on Small Business, House of Representatives: OPERATION DESERT STORM Early Performance Assessment of Bradley and Abrams"]. U.S. General Accounting Office, January 1992. Accessed June 5, 2024.</ref> which were known to cause reduced fuel economy, or in the worst case, engine damage.

== Doctrine, crew responsibilities and platoon operations ==
Before the M1 Abrams program, the U.S. Army had designed tanks to conform to doctrine. This approach changed with the XM1, where the Army wrote its doctrine after developing the tank.{{sfn|Kelly|1989|pp=215}} The U.S. Army's Abrams tank doctrine was influenced by German, British, American, and Soviet ideas. The German concept of ''[[Auftragstaktik]]'' (English: Mission-type tactics), a military doctrine emphasizing decentralized decision-making, and ''[[Schwerpunkt]]'' (English: Main point), the massing of resources around a focal point, were influential. German-type breakthrough tactics favored by general [[George S. Patton]], commander of the [[Seventh United States Army|Seventh Army]] in the [[Mediterranean Theater of Operations, United States Army|Mediterranean Theater]] of [[World War II]] were advocated by Creighton Abrams and his devotees [[United States Army Training and Doctrine Command|U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command]] (TRADOC) commanding generals [[William E. DePuy]] and his successor [[Donn A. Starry]].{{sfn|Kelly|1989|pp=216-238}}

The Army's new fighting doctrine was drafted by TRADOC commanding general DePuy, and was heavily influenced by lessons from the 1973 Arab–Israeli Yom Kippur War. ''Field Manual 100-5 Operations'', published in 1976, became "one of the most controversial documents the Army had ever published", according to Orr Kelly. The document recognized that U.S. forces would quickly become outnumbered in the case of a surprise Soviet invasion. It called for U.S. forces to maneuver quickly to where they were needed to mount an "active defense" oriented towards blunting the spearhead of the attacking force. Critics of this document noted that Soviet attacks would come in waves that would overwhelm U.S. defenses. The revision to the manual, which faced criticism rivaling that of the first edition, was published in 1982. The manual's emphasis was influenced by Depuy's successor, Starry. It called for using the "entire depth of the battlefield to strike the enemy and to prevent him from concentrating his firepower or manuevering his forces to a point of his choice." This alarmed [[NATO]] allies, who considered U.S. counterattacks across enemy borders to be needlessly provocative.{{sfn|Kelly|1989|pp=216-238}} The third revision of the manual published in 1986 left open the possibility of attacking across enemy borders at the discretion of politicians.{{sfn|Kelly|1989|pp=238-241}}

When the Abrams entered U.S. Army service in 1980, its arrival marked an organizational change. The tank battalion went from three companies of three platoons to four companies of three platoons.{{sfn|Zaloga|1985|p=32}} The standard tank platoon fell from five tanks — a number consistent since the first days of the [[Tank Corps of the American Expeditionary Forces|Tank Corps]] in World War I — to four. The change reflected both the improved capability of the new tank but also its cost. The reduction in platoon size necessitated changes in tactics oriented upon platoon and section actions in which the platoon leader had both to fight his tank and manage the unit.<ref name="platoon size">{{cite book |last1=Cameron |first1=Robert S. |title=The Canadian Army Trophy – Achieving Excellence in Tank Gunnery |date=2018 |publisher=US Army Armor School |page=89 |url=https://mcoecbamcoepwprd01.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/library/ebooks/Canadian%20Army%20Trophy%20Book_2018.pdf |access-date=30 December 2023}}{{Source-attribution}}</ref>

=== United States ===
[[File:M1 Abrams Platoon Operations.png|thumb|right|M1 Abrams U.S. platoon organization]]
Platoon organization within the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps as of 2019 is as follows:

A tank [[platoon]] includes four Abrams MBTs organized into two [[Section (military unit)|sections]], with two tanks in each section. "A" section consists of the platoon leader (''platoon commander'' in USMC parlance) who is the commander of the vehicle designated as Tank 1, and the platoon leader's wingman, who is the commander of Tank 2. "B" section consists of the platoon sergeant, who is the tank commander of Tank 4, and Tank 3 is the platoon sergeant's wingman.{{sfn|ATP 3–20.15 Tank Platoon|2019|loc=1–2}}

The wingman concept requires that individual tanks orient off the tank to its left or right side. In the tank platoon, Tank 2 orients off the platoon leader's tank, while Tank 3 orients off the platoon sergeant's tank. The platoon sergeant orients off the platoon leader's tank.

The tank platoon is organic to Armor [[Company (United States Army)|companies]] of a [[combined arms]] [[Battalion (United States Army)|battalion]]. The platoon may be attached to a number of organizations, commonly a mechanized infantry company, to create company teams. It may also be placed under the control of an Infantry organization. The exact amount of control the gaining unit would have is determined by the command relationship established by its higher HQ.{{sfn|ATP 3–20.15 Tank Platoon|2019|loc=1–8}}

The Armor company is organized, equipped, and trained to fight pure or as a task organized company team. The Armor company includes an HQ and three tank platoons. The company headquarters is equipped with two MBTs, armored personnel carriers, and wheeled vehicles for mission command/command and control and sustainment.{{sfn|ATP 3–20.15 Tank Platoon|2019|loc=1–9}}

==== Maintenance and Operation ====
A series of TM 9 technical manuals cover various aspects of the tanks maintenance and operation. The exact number and titles of TM 9 manuals for the M1 Abrams may vary depending on the specific variant (M1, M1A1, etc.) and the date of publication.

* M1: Initial production model with a 105mm gun.
* M1A1: Upgraded with a 120mm smoothbore gun, improved armor, and a bustle rack.
* M1A2: Features a commander's independent thermal viewer (CITV), improved fire control systems, and an enhanced digital architecture.
* M1A2 SEP (System Enhancement Package): A series of upgrades to the M1A2, including SEP v2 and SEP v3, with further improvements.<ref>{{cite web |title=TM 9-2350-388-10-HR |url=https://armypubs.army.mil/ProductMaps/PubForm/Details.aspx?PUB_ID=1027008 |website=armypubs.army.mil |publisher=Army Publishing |date={{Date|2023-06-15}} |quote=Hand Receipt Covering Contents Of Components Of End Item (COEI), Basic Issue Items (BII), And Additional Authorization List (AAL) For Tank, Combat, Full-Tracked: 120 MM Gun, M1A2 System Enhancement Package Version 2 (SEPV2) NSN 2350-01-328-5964 (EIC AAF) General Abrams}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=TM 9-2350-412-10-HR |url=https://armypubs.army.mil/ProductMaps/PubForm/Details.aspx?PUB_ID=1029545 |website=armypubs.army.mil |publisher=Army Publishing |date={{Date|2024-08-31}} |quote=Hand Receipt … M1A2 System Enhancement Package Version 3 (SEPV3) NSN 2350-01-619-5649 (EIC 455) Abrams}}</ref>
[[File:M1 Abrams - change og turbine.jpg|thumb|Hoisted power pack; Top left section: Engine lubricating-oil cooler heat exchanger (HE). Lower section: Transmission. Lower rear: High Temperature-HE (HTHE) "Recuperator".<ref name="Horan92">{{cite conference |author=Horan, Richard |date=June 1–4, 1992 |title=Textron Lycoming AGT1500 Engine: Transitioning for Future Applications |conference=ASME International Gas Turbine and Aeroengine Congress and Exposition |location=Cologne, Germany |publisher=The American Society of Mechanical Engineers |doi=10.1115/92-GT-436 |isbn=978-0-7918-7894-1 |quote=The recuperator improves in part: power, fuel economy, and also reduces heat signature and engine noise.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://dc.engconfintl.org/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1024&context=heatexchangerfall2005|title=High Temperature Heat Exchangers (HTHE)}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=China Exhaust Gas Cooling Heat Exchanger Manufacturers and Suppliers - Best Price Exhaust Gas Cooling Heat Exchanger for Sale - VRcooler |url=https://www.vrcoolertech.com/heat-exchanger/finned-tube-heat-exchangers/exhaust-gas-cooling-heat-exchanger.html |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=www.vrcoolertech.com |language=en |quote=Recover heat from the exhaust gases and preheat the compressed air entering the combustion chamber, increasing overall efficiency.}}</ref>]]

===== Hull =====
* Engine and Powertrain
#Engine: type, its components, and maintenance procedures.<ref>{{cite web |title=M1-Series Tanks: Keep Your Engine Happy and Healthy |url=https://www.ascrad.army.mil/News/Article/2039189/m1-series-tanks-keep-your-engine-happy-and-healthy/ |website=Army Sustainment Command - Redstone Arsenal Detachment |access-date=23 January 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=SAM.gov |url=https://sam.gov/opp/ad6e89bd43d94563a41a0b10061c5df6/view |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=sam.gov |quote=Cooler, Lubricating Oil, Engine [NSN: 2930-01-067-3839] [Part Number: 12273116] The COOLER, LUBRICATING OIL,ENGINE is for use on the M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank. The engine oil cooler removes heat from the engine by air conduction as the oil is pumped through tubes within the oil cooler. The engine oil cooler provides a critical function by removing surplus heat from the AGT1500 engine and protects the engine oil and internal components from premature wear or failure.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Military |url=https://www.aero-classics.com/military/ |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=Aero-Classics Inc. |language=en-US |quote=Current Military Products M1 Abrams [12273116-2: Engine oil cooler], [12311195: Transmission oil cooler (primary)], [12311196: Transmission oil cooler (auxiliary)], [2273377: Hydraulic oil cooler]}}</ref>
#Transmission: system type, including gearboxes and differentials.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Allison Transmission Awarded $83.3 Million Contract to Support U.S. Army Abrams Tank Modernization and Tank Production for Abrams User Nations |url=https://www.allisontransmission.com/newsroom/article/2024/01/18/allison-transmission-awarded--83.3-million-contract-to-support-u.s.-army-abrams-tank-modernization-and-tank-production-for-abrams-user-nations |access-date=2025-01-23 |website=www.allisontransmission.com |language=en}}</ref>
#Air Intake and Filtration System: components and their function.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Murphy |first1=Joseph P. |last2=Camplin |first2=Harry |title=Volume 2: Aircraft Engine; Marine; Microturbines and Small Turbomachinery |chapter=A Compact, High Efficiency, Self-Cleaning Air Filtration System for a Vehicular Gas Turbine Engine |date=6 June 1988 |doi=10.1115/88-GT-85 |isbn=978-0-7918-7919-1 |quote=The conceptual design is described as well as the detailed design of both precleaner element and the self-cleaning barrier filter.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/citations/ADA216127|title=Defense Technical Information Center}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.donaldson.com/content/dam/donaldson/aerospace-defense/literature/north-america/f112270/Pulse-Jet-Air-Cleaner.pdf|title=Pulse-Jet-Air-Cleaner.pdf}}</ref>

* Mobility Systems
#Suspension: system type, including road wheels and bogies.
#Tracks: type and replacement procedure.
#Steering and Braking System: type and their operation.

== Variants and upgrades ==
{{Anchor|Variants and upgraded versions}}
[[File:M1 Abrams and Leopard 2 Tanks in Switzerland 1981.jpg|thumb|right|An early M1 variant alongside the West German [[Leopard 2]] demonstrated in Switzerland in 1981]]Over its multi-decade lifetime, the M1 has experienced many variants and upgrades. Before production, the primary three were:
* General Motors XM1: validation phase prototype{{sfn|Hunnicutt|2015|p=301}}
* Chrysler XM1: validation phase prototype{{sfn|Hunnicutt|2015|p=302}}
* XM1-FSED: Chrysler preproduction test model. Eleven Full-Scale Engineering Development test bed vehicles were produced in 1977–78. These vehicles were also called Pilot Vehicles and numbered PV-1 through PV-11.
* M1 Abrams Block III Tank Test Bed (M1 TTB) prototype built in 1983 as part of TACOM's Abrams Block III program (whose purview was to eventually create the M1A3), featuring an unmanned turret with a 44-caliber 120&nbsp;mm M256 smoothbore gun, three crew members sitting side by side inside an armored capsule at the front of the hull and a suite of cameras and thermal viewers to preserve the crew's situational awareness. The main armament was linked to a Meggitt mechanical autoloader and a 44-round vertical ammunition carousel inside the turret basket;<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Sewell |first1=Stephen "Cookie" |date=March–April 1995 |title=Ammunition Loading Systems for Future Tanks |url=https://www.benning.army.mil/Armor/eARMOR/content/issues/1995/MAR_APR/ArmorMarchApril1995web.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://www.benning.army.mil/Armor/eARMOR/content/issues/1995/MAR_APR/ArmorMarchApril1995web.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-09 |access-date=4 March 2022 |magazine=Armor |publisher=U.S. Army Armor Center |location=Fort Knox, KY |pages=17–18 |volume=CIV |issue=2}}</ref> this system could provide a sustained rate of fire of 10 rounds per minute and successfully completed over 40,000 round loading/unloading cycles without malfunctioning during testing. Due to the absence of a full-fledged manned turret and the lack of internal armor packages, the vehicle only weighed 45 tons.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Ronkainen |author-mask=@ronkainen7k15 |title=The Abrams Tank Test Bed (TTB) prototype is on display in the U.S. Armor & Cavalry Museum... |url=https://twitter.com/ronkainen7k15/status/1653006058296852480/photo/2 |access-date=2023-10-08 |website=X (formerly Twitter) |language=en}}</ref> The program was cancelled after the end of the Cold War and its only prototype is now on display at the [[U.S. Army Armor & Cavalry Collection]] at [[Fort Moore]], Georgia.

=== M1 ===
First production variant. 2,374 produced from 1979 to 1985.<ref name="armornovdec1996">{{Cite web |title=Armor, November-December 1996 |url=https://www.benning.army.mil/Armor/eARMOR/content/issues/1996/NOV_DEC/ArmorNovemberDecember1996web.pdf |website=U.S. Army Fort Benning and the Maneuver Center of Excellence}}</ref> The first 110 tanks were [[low rate initial production]] (LRIP) models, and were still called XM1s. The first roll out ceremony was held on 28 February 1980, and the tank was officially named M1 [[Creighton Abrams|Abrams]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Green |first=Michael |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=M1P6jT8_yrgC&pg=PA23 |title=M1 Abrams at War |date=2005 |publisher=Zenith Imprint |isbn=978-1-61060-731-5 |language=en}}</ref> The M1 variant was retired from active U.S. Army service in 1996.<ref name="M1retired">{{cite journal |last1=Cameron |first1=Robert S. |title=Last Original M1s Retired from Active Duty |journal=Armor |issue=November–December 1996 |page=18 |url=https://www.dvidshub.net/publication/issues/33756 |access-date=8 January 2024}}</ref>

=== IPM1 (Improved Performance or Improved Protection) ===
894 were produced from 1984 to 1986.<ref name="armornovdec1996" /> It contained upgrades and re-configurations like a rear storage bustle rack, improved armor, suspension, transmission, and final drives.{{sfn|Hunnicutt|2015|p=230}}

* [[K1 tank|K1]] Republic of Korea Indigenous Tank (ROKIT): An M1 derivative customized for the Republic of Korea Armed Forces.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Lett |first=Philip |title=International Defense Review 1/1988: Korea's Type 88 comes of age |date=January 1988 |publisher=Janes}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |author=United States Congress Senate Committee on Armed Services |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oewAz6ajak4C&dq=ROKIT&pg=PA57 |title=Department of Defense authorization for appropriations for fiscal years 1990 and 1991: hearings before the Committee on Armed Services, United States Senate, One Hundred First Congress, first session, on S. 1085 |date=1989 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |language=en}}</ref> Emphasis on a compact, low-silhouette design.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poc0SNkXVvs |title=General Dynamics XK1 Program |date=2024-04-24 |publisher=General Dynamics Land Systems Div. |orig-date=1982 |editor-last=Badlaz0rcat |website=Youtube}}</ref>
* Component Advanced Technology Test Bed (CATTB) was a pair of highly modified prototypes conceived under the auspices of the Advanced Tank Armament Systems (ATAS) program<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=PEO Armament, Tank Main Armament Systems |title=Future Armament Systems Technology, brochure by PEO Armament TMAS |url=https://emu.usahec.org/alma/multimedia/378862/20181815MNBT989112214F167098I011.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403183435/https://emu.usahec.org/alma/multimedia/378862/20181815MNBT989112214F167098I011.pdf |archive-date=3 April 2023 |access-date=2023-04-03 |website= |language=en}}</ref> to test several promising technologies. Two vehicles were built in 1993 and 1994: the first one, dubbed Phase I, paired a spare M1 hull with a modified turret (an evolution of the M1 Thumper's) fitted with a 48-caliber 140&nbsp;mm [[Watervliet Arsenal]] XM291 smoothbore cannon<ref>{{cite web |last1=Khourdaji |first1=Samir |date=May 1990 |title=RD & E Centre Technical Report No. 13492 "Finite Stress Analysis For Component Advanced Technology Test Bed (CATTB) |url=http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA228389 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160825230736if_/http://www.dtic.mil/get-tr-doc/pdf?AD=ADA228389 |archive-date=25 August 2016 |access-date=16 July 2016 |website=Defense Technical Information Center}}</ref> and a [[Benét Laboratories|Benét Labs]] XM91 mechanical autoloader inside the bustle; the second vehicle, codenamed Phase II, used the same turret as basis, but mated it to a brand new M1 hull altered to contain a more compact [[Cummins]] XAP-1000 AIPS diesel engine and two vertically stacked, horizontal carousels (for non-ready ammunition) between the turret basket and the powerpack compartment. Phase II also trialed new single-shoe XT166 [[Continuous track|tracks]] (Phase I retained the original, two-shoed T156 of the M1), an in-arm [[hydropneumatic suspension]] and the Multi-Sensor Target Acquisition System (MTAS) with its low-power, millimetric wave radar. Both vehicles were tested extensively at Aberdeen Proving Ground. The aforementioned Thumper is often erroneously described as a de-tuned CATTB, although it predates the latter by five years.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 1994 |title=Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, EME Journal 1994 issue #2, pages 25 to 28 |url=https://archive.org/details/eme-journal-1994-issue-2/page/24/mode/2up <!-- 11:50:55 --> |access-date=2023-04-03 |website= |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Zweig |first=J. |title=Benét Labs – Future Tank Armaments |url=https://emu.usahec.org/alma/multimedia/401705/20184655MNBT989107254F026170I002.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516050110/https://emu.usahec.org/alma/multimedia/401705/20184655MNBT989107254F026170I002.pdf |archive-date=16 May 2022}}</ref>

=== M1A1 ===
[[File:Manning a .50 cal on M1A1 Abrams main battle tank Fort Knox.jpg|thumb|right|An M1A1 in U.S. Army service at [[Fort Knox]], Kentucky in 1988]]4,753 were built for the Army (1985–1993) and 221 for the Marines (1989–1991).<ref name="armornovdec1996" /> It had a pressurized NBC system, rear bustle rack for improved stowage of supplies and crew belongings, redesigned blowoff panels and [[M256 (tank gun)|M256]] 120&nbsp;mm smoothbore cannon. Egypt purchased M1A1 kits for local assembly beginning in 1990.<ref name="armornovdec1996" />
*M1A1HA (Heavy Armor): Added first generation depleted uranium armor components. Some tanks were later upgraded with second generation depleted uranium armor components, and are unofficially designated M1A1HA+.
* M1A1HC (Heavy Common): Added new second generation depleted uranium armor components, digital engine control and other small upgrades common between Army and Marine Corps tanks.
* M1A1D (Digital): A digital upgrade for the M1A1HC, to keep up with M1A2 SEP, manufactured in quantity for only 2 battalions.
* M1A1 AIM v.1 (Abrams Integrated Management): A program whereby older units are reconditioned to initial factory standards,<ref name="FAS.org">{{cite web |url=https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/m1.htm |title=M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank |publisher=Fas.org |access-date=30 June 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100821183057/http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/m1.htm |archive-date=21 August 2010}}</ref> and the tank is improved by adding Forward-Looking InfraRed ([[FLIR]]) and Far Target Locate sensors, a tank-infantry phone, communications gear, including [[FBCB2]] and [[Blue Force Tracking]] to aid in crew situational awareness, and a [[thermal sight]] for the .50&nbsp;caliber machine gun.<ref name="generaldynamics1" /> 59 M1A1 AIM sold to Australia.
* M1A1 AIM v.2/M1A1SA (Situational Awareness): Upgrades similar to AIM v.1 tanks and new third generation depleted uranium armor components. Configuration for the [[Royal Moroccan Army]], which is almost identical to the Australian variant, except exportable turret armor is installed by General Dynamics Land System to replace the DU armor.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.army.mil/article/173757/morocco_receives_abrams_tanks_from_us_army|title=Morocco receives Abrams tanks from U.S. Army|first=Michelle|last=Miller|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190514022619/https://www.army.mil/article/173757/morocco_receives_abrams_tanks_from_us_army|archive-date=14 May 2019 |url-status=live|date=22 August 2016}}</ref>
**M1A1 SA-UKR: Official U.S. designation for M1A1SA variants given to Ukraine via [[Foreign Military Sales]] program.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://preview.redd.it/all-abrams-tanks-foreign-military-sales-usages-v0-18x3vgo8li0d1.jpeg?width=1080&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=601317b9e4e1810920792f6c88e83d0033d7d88a |title=Foreign Military Sales Cases |last= |first= |date= |website=[[Reddit]] |publisher= |access-date=18 December 2024 |quote=}}{{User-generated source|date=December 2024}}</ref>
* M1A1 FEP (Firepower Enhancement Package): Similar upgrade to AIM v.2 for USMC tanks.
* M1A1KVT (Krasnovian Variant Tank): M1A1s that have been [[vismod|visually modified]] to resemble Soviet-made tanks for use at the [[National Training Center]], fitted with [[Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System|MILES]] gear and a [[Hoffman tank gunfire simulator|Hoffman device]].
* M1A1M: An export variant ordered by the [[Iraqi Army]].<ref name="strategypage.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htarm/articles/20080803.aspx |title=Armor: Iraq Getting M-1A1 Tanks |publisher=Strategypage.com |date=3 August 2008 |access-date=9 June 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090416022350/http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htarm/articles/20080803.aspx |archive-date=16 April 2009}}</ref>
*M1A1 (AIDATS upgrade): Upgrade-only variant to all USMC General Dynamics M1A1 Abrams tanks to improve the tank commander's situational awareness with an upgraded thermal sight, color day camera, and a stationary color display.<ref>{{cite web|title=Marine Corps to deliver capability trifecta to tank commanders |url=https://www.marines.mil/News/News-Display/Article/924317/marine-corps-to-deliver-capability-trifecta-to-tank-commanders/|access-date=2021-05-05|website=United States Marine Corps Flagship|language=en-US|archive-date=5 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505180129/https://www.marines.mil/News/News-Display/Article/924317/marine-corps-to-deliver-capability-trifecta-to-tank-commanders/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
*M1 Thumper (also known as ATAC System Demonstrator) was a single M1A1<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Kathe |first=Eric |year=2001 |title=Lessons learned on the application of vibration absorbers for enhanced cannon stabilization |journal=Shock and Vibration |volume=8 |issue=3–4 |pages=131–139 |doi=10.1155/2001/983024 |s2cid=111073609 |doi-access=free}}</ref> fitted with a heavily modified unarmored M1A1 turret to trial the experimental [[XM291]] ATAC (sometimes referred to as LW120) smoothbore gun, a more powerful replacement for the M256 capable of firing either single-piece 120&nbsp;mm or two-piece 140&nbsp;mm ammunition with only a barrel change. The 140&nbsp;mm rounds were too large (boasting twice the [[Chamber (firearms)|chamber]] volume of a [[M829]] APFSDS and twice the [[muzzle energy]]) and heavy to be moved around by a human loader, mandating the installation of a XM91 mechanical cassette autoloader. The Thumper underwent testing in 1988 and in the 1990s at [[Aberdeen Proving Ground]],<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite book |last=Defense Technical Information Center |url=http://archive.org/details/DTIC_ADA320105 |title=DTIC ADA320105: Proceedings of the Eighth U.S. Army Symposium on Gun Dynamics. Newport, Rhode Island, 14–16 May 1996. |date=1996-11-01 |language=english}}</ref> where it demonstrated accuracy equal to an M1A1's but with significantly higher armor penetration capability.

[[File:Tank assault 121114-M-VZ265-108.jpg|thumb|A Kuwaiti Army M1A2 fires at a target at a live-fire range near [[Camp Buehring]], Kuwait in 2012.]]
[[File:Saudi tank moves into position 220913-Z-XQ828-442.jpg|thumb|A Saudi Arabian M1A2S moving into position during Exercise [[Eager Lion]], 2022]]
[[File:M1A2 Sep v3.jpg|thumb|M1A2 SEPv3]]

=== {{Visible anchor|M1A2}} ===
M1A2 came in many variants and were produced for multiple countries beyond the US. The M1A2 offers the tank commander an independent thermal sight and ability to, in rapid sequence, shoot at two targets without the need to acquire each one sequentially, also second-generation depleted uranium armor components.<ref name="FAS.org" />
* Baseline: 62 vehicles produced from 1991 to 1992.<ref name="armornovdec1996" /> Initial operating capability in 1993.<ref>{{Cite book |title=Jane's Armour and Artillery |publisher=Jane's Information Group |year=1994 |isbn=0710611544 |editor-last=Foss |editor-first=Christopher F. |edition=15th |location=Coulsdon, Surrey |pages=129–130}}</ref> The U.S. upgraded 206 M1A1s to M1A2 from 1993 to 1996 as Phase 1, and produced 315 for Saudi Arabia (1993–1995) and 218 for Kuwait (1994–1996). The U.S. upgraded 800 to 900 units to M1A2 as Phase 2 from 1997 to 2001,<ref name="armornovdec1996" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Audit Report: Army Procurement of Spare Parts for the M1A2 Abrams Tank |url=https://media.defense.gov/1994/Jan/28/2001714869/-1/-1/1/94-033.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250207042744/https://media.defense.gov/1994/Jan/28/2001714869/-1/-1/1/94-033.pdf |publisher=Office of the Inspector General |archive-date=7 February 2025 |access-date=2025-07-01 |website=media.defense.gov |url-status=live }}</ref> some in the M1A2 SEP configuration.<ref name="FAS.org" />
*M1A2 SEP (System Enhancement Package): Fitted with new, second-generation gunner's thermal sight.<ref>{{Cite book |last=S. Cohen |first=William |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QA8yQjt9qR8C&dq=all+m1a2s+will+be+retrofitted+with+second+generation+flir&pg=PA61 |title=Report of Secretary of Defense ... to the Congress on the FY ... Budget, FY ... Authorization Request, and FY ... Defense Programs |date=1999 |publisher=Department of Defense |page=60 |access-date=19 February 2022 |archive-date=14 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230114043819/https://books.google.com/books?id=QA8yQjt9qR8C&dq=all+m1a2s+will+be+retrofitted+with+second+generation+flir&pg=PA61 |url-status=live}}</ref> Upgraded third-generation depleted uranium armor components with graphite coating (240 new, 300 M1A2s upgraded to M1A2 SEP for the United States, along with unknown numbers of upgraded basic M1s and IPM1s, also 400 oldest M1A1s upgraded to M1A2 SEP).
*M1A2S (Saudi Arabian Package): Saudi Arabian variant upgrade based on M1A2 SEP, with some features, such as depleted uranium armor, believed to be replaced by special armor. (442 M1A2s upgraded to M1A2S).<ref>{{cite web |author=Tyler Rogoway |date=25 August 2015 |title=Houthi Rebels Destroy M1 Abrams Tanks With Basic Iranian Guided Missiles |url=http://foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com/houthi-rebels-destroy-m1-abrams-tanks-with-basic-irania-1726478735 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909011105/http://foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com/houthi-rebels-destroy-m1-abrams-tanks-with-basic-irania-1726478735 |archive-date=9 September 2017 |access-date=14 April 2016 |work=Foxtrot Alpha}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Saudi Arabia Orders 69 More M1A2S Abrams Heavy Tanks |url=http://www.deagel.com/news/Saudi-Arabia-Orders-69-More-M1A2S-Abrams-Heavy-Tanks_n000011118.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303224257/http://www.deagel.com/news/Saudi-Arabia-Orders-69-More-M1A2S-Abrams-Heavy-Tanks_n000011118.aspx |archive-date=3 March 2016 |access-date=14 April 2016}}</ref>
*M1A2 SEPv2: Added Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station low-profile as standard, color displays, improved interfaces, a new operating system, improved crew-compartment cooling, and new second generation thermal optics.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Behler |first=Robert |date=January 2021 |title=Director, Operational Test and Evaluation FY 2020 Annual Report |url=https://www.dote.osd.mil/Portals/97/pub/reports/FY2020/other/2020DOTEAnnualReport.pdf#page=69}}</ref>
*M1A2 SEPv3 (formerly M1A2C): Increased power generation and distribution, better communications and networking, new Vehicle Health Management System (VHMS) and Line Replaceable Modules (LRMs) for improved maintenance, an Ammunition DataLink (ADL) to use [[air burst|airburst]] rounds, improved counter-IED armor package, Next Generation Armor Package (NGAP),<ref>{{cite web |last=Trevithick |first=Joseph |date=22 February 2019 |title=Picture Of Newest M1 Abrams Tank Variant With Previously Unseen Turret Armor Emerges |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/26606/picture-of-newest-m1-abrams-tank-variant-with-previously-unseen-turret-armor-emerges |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200503212319/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/26606/picture-of-newest-m1-abrams-tank-variant-with-previously-unseen-turret-armor-emerges |archive-date=3 May 2020 |access-date=23 May 2020 |website=The Drive}}</ref> and an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) under armor to run electronics while stationary instead of the engine, visually distinguishing the version by a small exhaust at the left rear. Lethality enhancements include the [[M829#M829A4|M829A4]] kinetic-energy anti-tank round, to target advanced [[Reactive armour|explosive reactive armor]] (AERA) and [[Active protection system|Active Protection Systems]] (APS). The [[M1147 Advanced Multi-Purpose|M1147 AMP]] round combines multiple functionalities, including point detonate, delay, and airburst modes, replacing four older round types and providing capabilities for obstacle reduction, bunker defeat, and precision airburst against anti-tank missile teams. The Ammunition DataLink (ADL) enables the round to communicate with the fire-control system, allowing the crew to program the desired mode in real-time for maximum effectiveness.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Robert |date=February 2014 |title=The Armored Brigade Combat Team 2014-2024: Improving Abrams Lethality |url=https://www.moore.army.mil/armor/earmor/content/issues/2014/JAN_FEB/Articles/Brown.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250123151253/https://www.moore.army.mil/armor/earmor/content/issues/2014/JAN_FEB/Articles/Brown.pdf |archive-date=23 January 2025 |access-date=23 January 2025 }}</ref> The SEPv3 also has Improved Forward-Looking Infrared (IFLIR) technology, which significantly improves target acquisition, identification, and engagement under all conditions, including obscurants such as fog or smoke. The IFLIR integrates long-wave and mid-wave infrared sensors into both the gunner's primary sight and the commander's independent thermal viewer, offering enhanced detection capabilities at greater ranges. It provides four fields of view (FOV) displayed on high-definition screens, enabling faster and more accurate engagement of targets compared to the older second-generation FLIR systems. The Low-Profile [[CROWS]] (LP CROWS) significantly reduces the weapon station's profile, enhancing the tank commander's situational awareness with upgraded day cameras featuring picture-in-picture technology, a 340% larger field of view in its wide FOV mode, and improved targeting capabilities under both open- and closed-hatch conditions.<ref name=":4" /> More passive ballistic protection for turret faces, along with new Explosive Reactive Armor mountings (Abrams Reactive Armor Tile (ARAT))<ref>{{cite web |last=Trevithick |first=Joseph |date=7 March 2017 |title=U.S. Army M1 Abrams Tanks in Europe Are Getting Explosive Armor |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/8144/u-s-army-m1-abrams-tanks-in-europe-are-getting-explosive-reactive-armor |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200502213322/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/8144/u-s-army-m1-abrams-tanks-in-europe-are-getting-explosive-reactive-armor |archive-date=2 May 2020 |access-date=23 May 2020 |website=The Drive}}</ref> and [[Trophy (countermeasure)|Trophy]] Active Protection systems for turret sides.<ref name=":4" /> Prototypes began testing in 2015.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Majumdar |first1=Dave |date=2 June 2016 |title=Inside the U.S. Army's Lethal New M1A2 SEP v.3 Abrams Main Battle Tank |url=https://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/inside-the-us-armys-lethal-new-m1a2-sep-v3-abrams-main-16445 |access-date=6 January 2024 |work=The National Interest |publisher=Center for the National Interest |language=en}}</ref> Production: maximum of 35 M1A2SEPv3 a month with a standard rate of 12 per month and 1 standard shift and an actual annual rate of 109.<ref name=":3" />
**M1A2T: Special configuration reportedly offered for sale to [[Taiwan]] as of March 2019.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2019/07/08/world/asia/08reuters-usa-taiwan.html] {{Dead link|date=August 2021|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> Per DSCA statement, it is roughly equivalent to M1A2 SEPv3, except depleted uranium armor is replaced by FMS export armor. Trophy APS system not mentioned.<ref>{{cite web |title=Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO) – M1A2T Abrams Tanks and Related Equipment and Support {{pipe}} The Official Home of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency |url=https://www.dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/taipei-economic-and-cultural-representative-office-united-states-tecro-m1a2t-abrams |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200222094116/https://www.dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/taipei-economic-and-cultural-representative-office-united-states-tecro-m1a2t-abrams |archive-date=22 February 2020 |access-date=23 May 2020 |website=dsca.mil}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Drillsma |first1=Ryan |date=19 March 2019 |title=US could announce sale of M1A2X tanks to Taiwan before July |url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3660814 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20190319163127/https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3660814 |archive-date=19 March 2019 |access-date=19 March 2019 |website=Taiwan News |location=Taipei}}</ref>
**M1A2R: Variant for the [[Romanian Army]].<ref name="m1a2r" /> Configuration of the M1A2 SEPv3.<ref>{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6ky-0c8iYg |title=Podcasturile Observatorul militar, ep.31, invitat general-lt. dr. ing. Teodor Incicaș |date=4 September 2023 |language=ro |publisher=Studioul Multimedia – Observatorul militar |time=42:39 |format=video |via=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>
**M1A2K: Variant for the [[Kuwaiti Army]], slated to replace Kuwait's existing M1A2 fleet.<ref name="Kuwait" /><ref>{{cite web |last1=Binnie |first1=Jeremy |date=20 December 2017 |title=Kuwait to get "unique" Abrams tank variant |url=http://www.janes.com/article/76548/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20171226172157/http://www.janes.com/article/76548/kuwait-to-get-unique-abrams-tank-variant |archive-date=26 December 2017 |access-date=26 December 2017 |website=IHS Jane's 360}}</ref>
*M1A2 SEPv4 (formerly M1A2D, canceled 6 September 2023):<ref>{{cite web |date=2022-03-29 |title=Abrams Main Battle Tank |url=https://asc.army.mil/web/portfolio-item/abrams-main-battle-tank/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617060653/https://asc.army.mil/web/portfolio-item/abrams-main-battle-tank/ |archive-date=17 June 2022 |access-date=2022-05-26 |publisher=Asc.army.mil}}</ref> The Commander's Primary Sight, also known as the Commander's Independent Thermal Viewer, and Gunner's Primary Sight upgraded with third Gen FLIR, an improved laser rangefinder, color cameras, advanced meteorological sensors, laser warning/detection receivers, directional smoke grenade launchers and integration of the [[M1147 Advanced Multi-Purpose|XM1147]] (AMP) 120&nbsp;mm tank round.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dean |first1=Glenn |title=2017 NDIA Armaments Systems Forum |url=https://ndiastorage.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/ndia/2017/armament/Dean.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721044015/https://ndiastorage.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/ndia/2017/armament/Dean.pdf |archive-date=21 July 2018 |access-date=23 July 2018 |website=National Defense Industrial Association}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Villasanta |first=Arthur Dominic |date=28 March 2017 |title=New US Army M1 Abrams Tank Rounds can Easily Destroy the T-14 Armata |url=http://www.chinatopix.com/articles/112850/20170328/new-army-m1-abrams-tank-rounds-easily-destroy-t-14.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315133534/http://www.chinatopix.com/articles/112850/20170328/new-army-m1-abrams-tank-rounds-easily-destroy-t-14.htm |archive-date=15 March 2018 |access-date=15 March 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=tmgdadmin |date=5 September 2017 |title=General Dynamics Receives Contracts to Upgrade Abrams Main Battle Tanks |url=https://www.gd.com/news/press-releases/2017/09/general-dynamics-receives-contracts-upgrade-abrams-main-battle-tanks |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315134509/https://www.gd.com/news/press-releases/2017/09/general-dynamics-receives-contracts-upgrade-abrams-main-battle-tanks |archive-date=15 March 2018 |access-date=15 March 2018}}</ref> The AN/VVR-4 laser warning receiver and ROSY rapid obscurant system were trialed by the US Army for the M1A2 and [[Bradley Fighting Vehicle]].<ref>{{cite web |title=UTC Aerospace readies AN/VVR-4 laser warning system |url=http://www.janes.com/article/77273/utc-aerospace-readies-an-vvr-4-laser-warning-system |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723064424/http://www.janes.com/article/77273/utc-aerospace-readies-an-vvr-4-laser-warning-system |archive-date=23 July 2018 |access-date=23 July 2018 |website=Jane's 360}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Laser warning goes modular |url=http://www.janes.com/article/74072/laser-warning-goes-modular-dsei17d4 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723064352/http://www.janes.com/article/74072/laser-warning-goes-modular-dsei17d4 |archive-date=23 July 2018 |access-date=23 July 2018 |website=Jane's 360}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=23 March 2018 |title=Rheinmetall ROSY at US Army Expeditionary Warrior Experiments 2018 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Y0oKCqOL6w |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211028/7Y0oKCqOL6w |archive-date=2021-10-28 |access-date=23 July 2018 |website=Youtube |publisher=Rheinmetall Defence}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref name=":2" />
[[File:AbramsX.jpg|thumb|AbramsX at [[Association of the United States Army|AUSA]] 2022]]
*AbramsX is a technology demonstrator<ref>{{cite web |date=11 October 2022 |title=AUSA 2022 Day 1 defense exhibition Washington US AbramsX StrykerX Stryker Leonidas TRX Breacher GDLS |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pY32JHXxwrk&t=1s |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221026142802/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pY32JHXxwrk&t=1s |archive-date=26 October 2022 |access-date=17 October 2022 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> of the M1 Abrams series by General Dynamics Land Systems. The AbramsX features a lightweight Watervliet Arsenal [[XM360]] smoothbore gun with pepperpot [[muzzle brake]], an [[autoloader]] which reduces the crew to three, an unmanned turret, a hybrid diesel-electric Cummins ACE power pack that gives 50% more fuel efficiency, a [[30 mm caliber|30&nbsp;mm]] [[M230 chain gun#M230LF and MAWS|XM914 chain gun]] in a [[remote weapon station]], [[Trophy (countermeasure)|Trophy]] [[active protection system]]s with three launchers, an [[augmented reality]] suite that would increase the crews' [[situational awareness]] thanks to cameras and sensors mounted around the tank's exterior, a silent mode when running on electric power, the ability to be updated more easily than existing tanks and use [[loitering munition]]s such as the [[AeroVironment Switchblade]] as well as surveillance drones,{{citation needed|date=December 2022}} and reduced weight for improved mobility. In October 2022, GDLS released a video showing the Technology Demonstrator and various technology tests.<ref name="AbramsX">{{cite web |last1=Davis |first1=Jeff |date=5 October 2022 |title=General Dynamics business units to participate in AUSA 2022 |url=https://www.gdls.com/general-dynamics-business-units-to-participate-in-ausa-2022/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009011312/https://www.gdls.com/general-dynamics-business-units-to-participate-in-ausa-2022/ |archive-date=9 October 2022 |access-date=9 October 2022 |website=General Dynamics Land Systems}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Gabriel Honrada |date=12 October 2022 |title=Heavy metal: new US tanks made to blast China, Russia |url=https://asiatimes.com/2022/10/heavy-metal-new-us-tanks-made-to-blast-china-russia/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014050052/https://asiatimes.com/2022/10/heavy-metal-new-us-tanks-made-to-blast-china-russia/ |archive-date=14 October 2022 |access-date=14 October 2022 |website=Asia Times}}</ref>

=== M1E3 ===
Includes modular open-systems architecture with a 20-ton weight reduction to 60 tons.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=18 September 2023 |title=The Army's New M1E3 Abrams Tank Modernization Program |url=https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF12495/2 |access-date=31 August 2024 |website=Congressional Research Service}}</ref> The [[Army Science Board]] report "An Independent Assessment of the 2040 Battlefield and its Implications for the 5th Generation Combat Vehicle (5GCV)'''"''' which reportedly led Army leadership to establish the program, recommended a $2.9 billion, seven/eight-year program to develop a "fifth generation combat vehicle,"<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 2023 |title=An Independent Assessment of the 2040 Battlefield and its Implications for the 5th Generation Combat Vehicle (5GCV) |url=https://asb.army.mil/Portals/105/Reports/2020s/ASB%20FY%2020%20BF2040%20ExSum.pdf?ver=vxXNwQxDxPOLZE73KMlGqg%3d%3d |access-date=3 September 2024 |website=Army Science Board}}</ref> with proposed capabilities including:<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Seitz |first=Isaac |date=2025-10-23 |title=Meet the M1E3: The Army's Tank 'Answer' to the Drone Age |url=https://nationalsecurityjournal.org/meet-the-m1e3-the-armys-tank-answer-to-the-drone-age/ |access-date=2025-10-30 |website=National Security Journal |language=en-US}}</ref> The plan was to field first units in 2026–2027.
*Modular Open Systems Architecture
*3 person crew, unmanned turret
*hybrid electric drive (Caterpillar engine + SAPA transmission); greater fuel efficiency
*autoloader and new main gun
*AI threat ranking/targeting, fire control
*gun-launched maneuvering hypersonic and guided missiles
*integrated active protection system
*improved command, control, and networking capabilities
*artificial intelligence (AI) applications;
*ability to network with drones and robotic vehicles; and
*masking capabilities to reduce the vehicle's thermal and electromagnetic signatures.
[[File:Abrams Tank Test Bed Armor & Cavalry Collection.jpg|thumb|Tank Test Bed prototype at the [[U.S. Army Armor & Cavalry Collection]], [[Fort Benning]]]]

===Specialized===
[[File:M1 Surrogate Research Vehicle c. 1985.jpg|thumb|right|Surrogate Research Vehicle c. 1985. Note the four crew members located in the hull.]]

*Surrogate Research Vehicle: The surrogate research vehicle (SRV) project was conducted from 1980 to 1987 to evaluate the effectiveness of different crew arrangements using a turretless Abrams test bed. These modifications included adding two crew stations to the front hull. Two crew positions were retained in a rotating basket where the turret had been.{{sfn|Hunnicutt|2015|p=276}}
* Armored Recovery Vehicle: Initially known as the RV90, this was a prototype designed by General Dynamics. It was produced under contract with TACOM in 1988 despite an earlier preliminary decision to procure the M88A1E1.<ref name="Jane's logistics" >{{cite book |editor1-last=Foss |editor1-first=Christopher F |editor1-link=Christopher F Foss |title=Jane's Military Vehicles and Logistics 1994–95 |publisher=Jane's Information Group |location=Surrey |year=1994 |isbn=0-7106-1162-5 |page=53 |edition=15th |chapter=Armoured Recovery Vehicles |url=https://archive.org/details/janesmilitaryveh0000unse}}</ref> The prototype was evaluated against the [[M88 Recovery Vehicle|M88A1E1]] later that year.{{sfn|Hunnicutt|2015|p=271–273}} The Abrams RV was based on the Abrams chassis, but housed a crew of three in a unique armored superstructure. The Army selected the M88A1E1 regardless,<ref name="Jane's logistics" /> which went into production as the M88A2 Hercules.{{sfn|Hunnicutt|2015|p=271–273}}
*Air Ground Defense System (AGDS): Proposed air defense variant of the Abrams equipped with dual 35&nbsp;mm [[Bushmaster III]] autocannons, 12 [[Air Defense Anti-Tank System|ADATS]] missiles and advanced electro-optical and radar targeting systems derived from the ADATS. It was supposed to be capable of both air defense and anti-tank purposes with the ADATS MIM-146 missiles which was a dual purpose ATGM/SAM. The proposal never saw consideration and was never developed further.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Sharoni|first1=Asher H.|last2=Bacon|first2=Lawrence|date=July–August 1996|title=Forward Area Air-Ground Defense |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3TIN9O_JusgC&q=m1+agds&pg=PA17|journal=Armor|volume=105|issue=4|pages=15–20|via=Google Books|access-date=19 October 2020|archive-date=14 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230114043819/https://books.google.com/books?id=3TIN9O_JusgC&q=m1+agds&pg=PA17 |url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Panther II US Army.jpg|thumb|right|Panther II in 2002]]
* M1 Panther II: A [[demining|mine-clearing vehicle]] with turret removed, mine rollers on the front, and magnetized dog bone.<ref>{{cite book |editor1-last=Collin |editor1-first=King |title=Jane's Mines and Mine Clearance 1998–99 |publisher=Jane's Information Group |location=London |year=1998 |isbn=0-7106-1803-4 |page=565 |edition=3rd |chapter=Mine Clearing Equipment |url=https://archive.org/details/janesminesminecl0000unse}}</ref>{{sfn|Green|Stewart|2005|p=24}} This could be operated remotely or with a crew of two. Six were built and two were deployed in 2007 by the USMC in Iraq.{{sfn|Zaloga|2019|p=39-40}}
* [[M104 Wolverine]] Heavy Assault Bridge: GDLS produced these under contract for the U.S. Army with testing beginning in 1996. The {{convert|26|meter}} bridge was produced by [[Krauss-Maffei Wegmann]]. The chassis is an Abrams converted to M1A2 standard. Forty-three units were produced when production wrapped up in 2003.<ref name="Janes 2011"/>
*Battle Command Vehicle: The vehicle was visually modified with a mock M256 gun to appear like an ordinary Abrams MBT, but featured communications equipment and workstations for battle commanders. [[United Defense LP]] constructed a prototype which the Army tested at Fort Hood in 1997.{{sfn|Foss|2002|p=610}}
*Visually modified: The [[National Training Center]] possesses 28 [[visually modified]] M1A1s resembling [[T-80]]s.<ref name="Janes 2011"/>
* M1 Grizzly (Breacher): In 1997 TACOM awarded United Defense a $129 million contract to construct this vehicle based on the Abrams chassis. This was capable of clearing minefields and demolishing obstacles with its dozer blade and telescopic power-driven arm. The chassis had suspension of M1A2 standard and was operated by a crew of two. Two vehicles were delivered to the Army in 1999. Development was halted by the following year.{{sfn|Foss|2002|p=148–154}}

[[File:M1 Grizzly 2.jpg|thumb|A Grizzly Combat Mobility Vehicle (CMV)]]

* [[M1074 Joint Assault Bridge]] (JAB): Bridgelayer combining a heavy "scissor" bridge with the M1 Abrams chassis. Expected to reach low-rate initial production in 2019 to replace the [[M60 AVLB]] and M104 Wolverine.<ref>[http://www.defensenews.com/articles/army-drs-set-to-integrate-new-bridging-system-on-tanks Army, DRS Set To Integrate New Bridging System on Tanks] – Defensenews.com, 6 September 2016</ref>
* [[M1150 Assault Breacher Vehicle]] (ABV): Assault variant for the USMC. Based upon the M1A1 Abrams chassis, the Assault Breacher Vehicle has a variety of systems installed, such as a full-width mine plow, two [[mine-clearing line charge|linear demolition charges]], and a lane-marking system. [[Reactive armor]] has been fitted to the vehicle providing additional protection against HEAT warhead-based weapons. The turret has been replaced by a new smaller one with two MICLIC launchers at its rear. A M2HB .50 machine gun in a remote weapons station is mounted on the commander's cupola and a bank of grenade launchers are fitted to each side of the superstructure to cover the frontal arc for self-protection.<ref>Abramson, Mark, "[http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=67677 ABVs ready to break Afghan ground]", ''[[Stars and Stripes (newspaper)|Stars and Stripes]]'', 1 February 2010.</ref>

=== Additional equipment ===
*Mine clearing plows: An early example consisted of two mine plows and a chain with a weight running between them.{{sfn|Hunnicutt|2015|p=253}} The Mine Clearing Blade System (MCBS): It is capable of clearing mines up to 6 feet in front of the tank's path.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/m1mcbs.htm|title=M1 Mine Clearing Blade System|access-date=3 January 2021|archive-date=27 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201227152650/https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/m1mcbs.htm |url-status=live}}</ref>
*Mine-clearing rollers: The Tank Mounted Mine Clearing Roller (TMMCR) comprises two roller banks of five discs each and a chain with a weight running between the rollers.{{sfn|Hunnicutt|2015|p=253}} Self Protection Combat Roller (SPCR) targets pressure activated explosive devices. The system comprises two 4-wheel roller gangs.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pearson-eng.com/products/self-protection-combat-roller/|title=Battlefield Capabilities|access-date=3 January 2021|archive-date=19 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119220434/https://www.pearson-eng.com/products/self-protection-combat-roller/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> An optional Magnetic System Duplicator (MSD) can be fitted to help protect the equipment from the effect of magnetic influence fused mines.<ref>{{cite web |title=Magnetic Signature Duplicator |url=https://www.pearson-eng.com/products/magnetic-signature-duplicator/ |publisher=Pearson Engineering |access-date=17 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226011058/https://www.pearson-eng.com/products/magnetic-signature-duplicator/ |archive-date=26 February 2021}}</ref>
*Surface Clearance Device (SCD): The SCD is employed to clear surface laid mines and IEDs from roads, trails and rough terrain. There are two versions of the SCD; a V-blade optimised for clearing routes and a straight angle-blade which is optimised for clearing staging and assembly areas.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pearson-eng.com/products/surface-clearance-device|title=Surface Clearance Device – Product Page|access-date=3 January 2021|archive-date=19 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119201814/https://www.pearson-eng.com/products/surface-clearance-device/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
*Vehicle Magnetic Signature Duplicator (VEMSID): The VEMSID causes detonation of magnetic influence mines. The system comprises four emitter coils, two associated power boxes and an MSD Control Unit (MSDCU).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://webstore.ansi.org/Standards/DOD/MIL53112NOT-1218709|title=MIL-V-53112/1(1) NOT 1 – Vehicle Magnetic Signature Duplicator (Vemasid) System, M109/M992 Family of Vehicles, An/VSQ-3(4) (No S/S Document)|access-date=3 January 2021|archive-date=19 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210619161613/https://webstore.ansi.org/Standards/DOD/MIL53112NOT-1218709 |url-status=live}}</ref>
*Bulldozer attachment. The U.S. Army tested this attachment in 1982.<ref name="Janes 2011"/> This was unsuccessful in part because it resulted in transmission overheating,{{sfn|Hunnicutt|2015|p=253}} and was never used.<ref name="Janes 2011"/>

== Specifications ==
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Abrams specifications
|- style="text-align:center;"
!
! width=130px | M1{{sfn|Hunnicutt|2015|p=303}}
! width=130px | IPM1{{sfn|Hunnicutt|2015|p=304}}
! width=130px | M1A1{{sfn|Hunnicutt|2015|p=306}}
! width=130px | M1A2{{sfn|Foss|2017|p=220-221}}
! width=130px | M1A2 SEP
|- style="text-align:center;"
! Produced
| 1979–85
| 1984–1986{{sfn|Zaloga|Sarson|1993|p=10}}
| 1985–92
| 1992 on
| 1999 on
|- style="text-align:center;"
! Length (gun forward)
|colspan=2 | {{convert|32|ft|0.5|in|m|2|abbr=on}}
|colspan=3 | {{convert|32|ft|2.9|in|m|2|abbr=on}}
|- style="text-align:center;"
! Width (over skirt)
|colspan=5 | {{convert|12|ft|abbr=on}}
|- style="text-align:center;"
! Height (over 0.50 in <br>(12.7&nbsp;mm) machine gun)
| colspan="4" style="text-align:center;"| {{convert|9|ft|5.6|in|abbr=on}}
| n/a
|- style="text-align:center;"
! align=left | Top speed (level road)
|colspan=1 | {{convert|45|mph|abbr=on}}
|colspan=3 | {{convert|41.5|mph|abbr=on}}
|align=center |{{convert|42|mph|abbr=on}}
|- style="text-align:center;"
! Range
|colspan=2 | {{convert|275|mi|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|289|mi|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|265|mi|abbr=on}}
|{{convert|264|mi|abbr=on}}
|- style="text-align:center;"
! Power
| colspan="5" style="text-align:center;"|{{convert|1500|shp|MW|abbr=on}} at 3000 rpm
|- style="text-align:center;"
! Combat Weight
| {{convert|58|ST|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|60|ST|abbr=on}}
|'''M1A1''': {{convert|63|ST|abbr=on}}{{sfn|Foss|2002|p=117}}<br />'''M1A1SA''': {{convert|67.6|ST|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|69.5|ST|abbr=on}}
|'''SEP v1''': {{convert|69.5|ST|abbr=on}}<br />'''SEP v2''': {{convert|71.2|ST|abbr=on}}'''SEP v3''': {{convert|73.6|ST|abbr=on}}
|- style="text-align:center;"
! Main armament
|colspan=2 | [[M68 (tank gun)|105&nbsp;mm M68A1 rifled]]
|colspan=3 | [[M256 (tank gun)|120&nbsp;mm M256 smoothbore]]
|- style="text-align:center;"
! Crew
|colspan=5 | 4 (commander, gunner, loader, driver)
|- style="text-align:center;"
|}

== Operators ==
=== Current operators ===
[[File:M1 Abrams Operators (2022).svg|thumb|upright=1.65|M1 Abrams operators]]
[[File:Front view of an Australian M1A1 tank during Koolendong 2021.jpg|thumb|An Australian Abrams tank in 2021]]
<!--
  This section is only for operators and future operators with Abrams tanks on order. No possible future operators. -->
* {{AUS}} – [[Australian Army]]: 59 M1A1 as of 2024.<ref name=":02">{{Cite book |title=Military Balance 2024 |publisher=IISS |year=2024 |isbn=978-1032780047}}</ref> AIM configuration tanks (hybrids with a mix of equipment used by U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps but without depleted uranium layers in armor). They were bought from the U.S. in 2006 and replaced the [[Leopard 1|Leopard AS1]] in 2007.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.anao.gov.au/Publications/Audit-Reports/2007-2008/Acquisition-of-the-ABRAMS-Main-Battle-Tank |title=Acquisition of the Abrams Main Battle Tank |publisher= Australian National Audit Office |date= 17 July 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605234111/http://www.anao.gov.au/Publications/Audit-Reports/2007-2008/Acquisition-of-the-ABRAMS-Main-Battle-Tank |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 June 2011}}</ref> As of 2017, the Australian Government was considering expanding the Army's fleet of Abrams to 90 tanks.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Abernethy |first1=Mark |title=Army's plans for more and better tanks |url= https://www.afr.com/news/special-reports/defence-and-national-security/armys-plans-for-more-and-better-tanks-20170303-guqamb |work=Australian Financial Review |date=7 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180626164439/https://www.afr.com/news/special-reports/defence-and-national-security/armys-plans-for-more-and-better-tanks-20170303-guqamb |archive-date=26 June 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> In April 2021, the U.S. granted an [[Foreign Military Sales|FMS]] for 160 M1A1 tank hulls to produce 75 M1A2 SEPv3 tanks, 29 M1150 Assault Breacher Vehicles and 18 M1074 Joint Assault Bridges, including the development of a unique armor package for the Australian Army.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Australia – Heavy Armored Combat Systems |url=https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/australia-heavy-armored-combat-systems |access-date=2021-07-15 |date=29 April 2021 |website=Defense Security Cooperation Agency |archive-date=14 May 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210514182333/https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/australia-heavy-armored-combat-systems |url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2022, Australia committed to purchase 120 tanks and armored vehicles, including 75 M1A2s, at a total cost of $3.5 billion and to be delivered in 2024; the M1A2s will replace their 59 M1A1s.<ref>{{cite web|last=Galloway|first=Anthony|date=2022-01-09|title=Australia commits to $3.5 billion tank purchase from the US |url=https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/australia-commits-to-3-5-billion-tank-purchase-from-the-us-20220109-p59mub.html|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|archive-date=10 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220110040721/https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/australia-commits-to-3-5-billion-tank-purchase-from-the-us-20220109-p59mub.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Giannini|first=Dominic|date=2022-01-10|title=Over 120 tanks, armoured vehicles secured |url=https://7news.com.au/politics/over-120-tanks-armoured-vehicles-secured-c-5249892|website=7NEWS|archive-date=10 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220110060017/https://7news.com.au/politics/over-120-tanks-armoured-vehicles-secured-c-5249892 |url-status=live}}</ref> On 17 October 2024, the Australian government announced that it will be gifting 49 of its retired M1A1 tanks to Ukraine.<ref>{{cite press release |author1=Minister for Defence Richard Marles |author2=Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Pat Conroy |title=Australia to provide Abrams tanks to Ukraine |url=https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/media-releases/2024-10-17/australia-provide-abrams-tanks-ukraine |website=Department of Defence Ministers |access-date=29 October 2024 |date=17 October 2024}}</ref> 14 M1A2s are scheduled to enter service by the end of 2024.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Soldiers trained on Army's newest tanks |url=https://www.defence.gov.au/news-events/releases/2024-11-08/soldiers-trained-armys-newest-tanks |website=Department of Defence |access-date=8 November 2024 |date=8 November 2024}}</ref>
* {{EGY}} – [[Egyptian Army]]: 1,130 M1A1 as of 2024.<ref name=":02" /> 1,360 M1A1 tanks assembled in Egypt for the Egyptian Army in [[M1A1 tank coproduction program in Egypt|cooperation with the U.S.]]<ref>{{cite journal |last=IISS |title=The Military Balance 2017|journal=The Military Balance: Annual Estimates of the Nature and Size of the Military Forces of the Principal Powers|year=2017 |publisher=Routledge |issn=0459-7222 |page=372}}</ref><ref>[http://www.dsca.osd.mil/PressReleases/36-b/2011/Egypt_10-67.pdf Egypt], DSCA {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130511095507/http://www.dsca.osd.mil/PressReleases/36-b/2011/Egypt_10-67.pdf|date=11 May 2013}}</ref>
[[File:Abrams in Tahrir.jpg|thumb|Egyptian Abrams tank deployed during the [[2011 Egyptian Revolution]]]]
* {{IRQ}} – [[Iraqi Army]]: 100 M1A1 as of 2024.<ref name=":02" /> Iraq purchased 120 M1A1SA from the U.S. in 2008.<ref name="Janes 2011"/> The first 11 tanks were delivered to the Iraqi Army in August 2010<ref>{{cite web |author=Agence France-Presse |title=Iraq takes delivery of American tanks |url=http://www.defencetalk.com/iraqi-army-takes-delivery-of-m1a1-abrams-tanks-27975/ |publisher=defencetalk.com |date=9 August 2010 |url-status= live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100814152403/http://www.defencetalk.com/iraqi-army-takes-delivery-of-m1a1-abrams-tanks-27975/ |archive-date= 14 August 2010}}</ref> with all deliveries completed by August 2011.<ref>[https://www.army.mil/article/64944/Iraqi_Army_receives_last_shipment_of_Abrams_tanks/ "Iraqi Army receives last shipment of Abrams tanks"] . Army.mil, 6 September 2011.</ref> In October 2012, it was reported that six more tanks were being delivered.<ref>[http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/M1-Abrams-Tanks-for-Iraq-05013/ "6 more tanks"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080919054809/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/M1-Abrams-Tanks-for-Iraq-05013/ |date= 19 September 2008}}. Defenseindustrydaily.com, 5 October 2012.</ref> Four battalions of the [[9th Armoured Division (Iraq)|9th Armoured Division]] were equipped with M1s by 2014: 1st and 2nd of the 34th Brigade, and 4th and 5th of the 35th Brigade. Iraq purchased 175 more M1A1 in 2014, though it is unclear if these were delivered.{{sfn|Zaloga|2019|p=44}}
* {{KWT}} – [[Kuwaiti Army]]: 218 M1A2K as of 2024.<ref name=":02" /> 218 M1A2s produced {{circa|1995}}.<ref name="Janes 2011"/> Kuwait took delivery of the first of 217 M1A2K variants in 2021.<ref name="Kuwait" >{{cite news |title=Kuwait exercises new tanks |url=https://www.janes.com/osint-insights/defence-news/defence/kuwait-exercises-new-tanks |access-date=24 June 2024 |work=Janes |date=12 December 2022}}</ref>
* {{MAR}} – [[Royal Moroccan Army]]: 222 M1A1SA as of 2024.<ref name=":02" /> 222 M1A1 SA (situational awareness) tanks ordered in 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2015/08/166774/morocco-purchases-us-made-m1a1-abrams-tanks/ |title=Morocco Purchases US-Made M1A1 Abrams Tanks |work=Morocco World News |date=30 August 2015 |access-date= 14 April 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160503093258/http://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2015/08/166774/morocco-purchases-us-made-m1a1-abrams-tanks/ |archive-date=3 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.generaldynamics.com/news/press-releases/2015/09/general-dynamics-awarded-358-million-150-m1a1-sa-abrams-tanks-morocco |title=General Dynamics Awarded $358 Million for 150 M1A1 SA Abrams Tanks for Morocco |publisher= General dynamics |date=30 September 2015 |access-date=14 April 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415115420/http://www.generaldynamics.com/news/press-releases/2015/09/general-dynamics-awarded-358-million-150-m1a1-sa-abrams-tanks-morocco |archive-date=15 April 2016}}</ref> Deliveries under the contract started in July 2016<ref>{{cite web |url=http://m.medi1tv.com/ar/بالصور-حفل-تسلم-أولى-دبابات-أبرامز-الأمريكية-الموجهة-للقوات-المسلحة-الأخبار-66454/ |title=بالصور حفل تسلم أولى دبابات "أبرامز" الأمريكية الموجهة للقوات المسلحة الملكية |work=Medi 1 |access-date=26 July 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160801045225/http://m.medi1tv.com/ar/%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B5%D9%88%D8%B1-%D8%AD%D9%81%D9%84-%D8%AA%D8%B3%D9%84%D9%85-%D8%A3%D9%88%D9%84%D9%89-%D8%AF%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A3%D8%A8%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%B2-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A3%D9%85%D8%B1%D9%8A%D9%83%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D9%88%D8%AC%D9%87%D8%A9-%D9%84%D9%84%D9%82%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%B3%D9%84%D8%AD%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A3%D8%AE%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B1-66454 |archive-date=1 August 2016}}</ref> with an estimated completion date of February 2018. The contract include 150 refurbished and upgraded tanks to the special armor configuration.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.janes.com/article/53982/morocco-abrams-tank-programme-moves-forward|title=Morocco Abrams tank programme moves forward|publisher=IHS Janes|access-date=14 April 2016 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304075049/http://www.janes.com/article/53982/morocco-abrams-tank-programme-moves-forward|archive-date=4 March 2016}}</ref> Morocco took delivery of the first batch of M1A1SAs on 28 July 2016.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Binnie |first1=Jeremy |title=North African rivals receive new tanks |url=http://www.janes.com/article/62622 |website=IHS Jane's |date=28 July 2016 |access-date=29 July 2016 |archive-date=14 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230114043756/https://www.janes.com/defence-news/ |url-status=live}}</ref> A Foreign Military Sale for 162 M1A2Ms was approved by the U.S. Department of State in November 2018 and sent to Congress for final approval.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/morocco-abrams-tank-enhancement-support-and-equipment|title=Morocco – Abrams Tank Enhancement, Support, and Equipment {{pipe}} The Official Home of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency|website=www.dsca.mil|access-date=23 May 2020|archive-date=19 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201019155353/https://dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/morocco-abrams-tank-enhancement-support-and-equipment |url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2020 [[General Dynamics Land Systems]] was awarded a $11.9 million contract to upgrade 162 Abrams tanks to the M1A2 SEPv3 configuration. The contract was completed in March 2022.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Liam |first1=Darek |title=Morocco gets latest version of Abrams Main Battle Tank |url=https://www.military.africa/2023/12/morocco-gets-latest-version-of-abrams-main-battle-tank/ |website=Military Africa |date=7 December 2023 }}</ref>
[[File:1-35 AR ‘Conquerors’ and Polish Tank Platoons Display Lethal Prowess (8219360).jpg|thumb|A Polish M1 in 2024]]
* {{POL}} – [[Polish Land Forces]]: Poland purchased 116 former U.S. Marine Corps M1A1s in January 2023. The first 14 arrived on 28 June 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://notesfrompoland.com/2023/06/28/poland-receives-first-abrams-tanks-from-us/ |title= Poland receives first Abrams tanks from US|first=Daniel|last=Tilles|date=28 June 2023|access-date=17 August 2023}}</ref> A further 26 were delivered in November 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-22 |title=Kolejne Abramsy i wyrzutnie HIMARS dostarczone do Polski |url=https://milmag.pl/kolejne-abramsy-i-wyrzutnie-himars-dostarczone-do-polski/ |access-date=2024-01-10 |website=MILMAG |language=pl-PL}}</ref> On 8 January 2024 the next 29 were delivered.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-08 |title=Kolejna dostawa sprzętu z USA dla Wojska Polskiego |url=https://defence24.pl/wiadomosci/kolejna-dostawa-sprzetu-z-usa-dla-wojska-polskiego |access-date=2024-01-10 |website=defence24.pl |language=pl}}</ref> Deliveries were completed in June 2024.<ref>{{cite news |title=Deliveries of Abrams tanks to Poland complete, reports arms agency |url=https://www.pap.pl/en/news/deliveries-abrams-tanks-poland-complete-reports-arms-agency |access-date=1 July 2024 |work=Polish Press Agency |date=27 June 2024}}</ref> Poland also purchased 250 M1A2 SEPv3 tanks. Production is set to finish by 2024, and delivery in early 2025.<ref>{{cite news |last=Mizokami |first=Kyle |date=July 15, 2021 |title=Poland Just Bought America's M1 Abrams Tank. That's Ironic |work=popularmechanics |url= https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/weapons/a37026843/poland-buys-us-m1a2-abrams-main-battle-tank/ |archive-date=22 July 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210722062044/https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/weapons/a37026843/poland-buys-us-m1a2-abrams-main-battle-tank/ |url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Błaszczak: polski przemysł ma kompetencje do T-72. Wykorzystamy wszystkie czołgi |url=https://defence24.pl/sily-zbrojne/blaszczak-polski-przemysl-ma-kompetencje-do-t-72-wykorzystamy-wszystkie-czolgi|language=pl|access-date=18 February 2022|archive-date=18 February 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220218113108/https://defence24.pl/sily-zbrojne/blaszczak-polski-przemysl-ma-kompetencje-do-t-72-wykorzystamy-wszystkie-czolgi |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.defensenews.com/land/2021/07/14/polish-defence-ministry-confirms-plan-to-buy-m1-abrams-tanks |title=Polish Defence Ministry confirms plan to buy M1 Abrams tanks |date=14 July 2021 |archive-date=14 January 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230114043748/https://www.defensenews.com/land/2021/07/14/polish-defence-ministry-confirms-plan-to-buy-m1-abrams-tanks/ |url-status= live}}</ref> 28 M1A2 SEPv2 tanks were leased in July 2022 to train crews until deliveries begin.<ref>{{cite web |author=Rafał Muczyński |url= https://milmag.pl/szkoleniowe-abramsy-juz-w-polsce/ |title=Szkoleniowe Abramsy juĹź w Polsce – MILMAG |publisher=Milmag.pl |date=18 July 2022 |archive-date= 20 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220820021546/https://milmag.pl/szkoleniowe-abramsy-juz-w-polsce/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
* {{SAU}} – [[Saudi Arabian Army]]: 575 M1A2S as of 2024.<ref name=":02" /> 373 Abrams tanks first ordered to be upgraded to M1A2S configuration in Saudi Arabia.<ref name=DID_Saudi>{{cite web |url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/2006/08/the-2006-saudi-shopping-spree-29b-to-upgrade-m1-abrams-tank-fleet/index.php |title=The 2006 Saudi Shopping Spree: $2.9B to Upgrade M1 Abrams Tank Fleet |work= Defense Industry Daily |date=4 January 2011 |access-date=28 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061025014002/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/2006/08/the-2006-saudi-shopping-spree-29b-to-upgrade-m1-abrams-tank-fleet/index.php |archive-date=25 October 2006}}</ref> 69 more M1A2S tanks ordered on 8 January 2013, to be delivered by 31 July 2014.<ref>[http://www.deagel.com/news/Saudi-Arabia-Orders-69-More-M1A2S-Abrams-Heavy-Tanks_n000011118.aspx "Saudi Arabia Orders 69 More M1A2S Abrams Heavy Tanks"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303224257/http://www.deagel.com/news/Saudi-Arabia-Orders-69-More-M1A2S-Abrams-Heavy-Tanks_n000011118.aspx |date=3 March 2016}}. Deagel.com, 8 January 2013.</ref>
* {{KOR}} – [[Republic of Korea Army]] & [[Republic of Korea Marine Corps|Marine Corps]]: Operates [[K1 tank|K1 series]], a customized M1 Abrams, since 1987.<ref name="armornovdec1996"/>
* {{TWN}} – [[Republic of China Army]]: In July 2018, Taiwan's [[Ministry of National Defense (Republic of China)|Ministry of National Defense]] budgeted money to buy 108 M1A2Ts from the U.S. to replace its aging [[CM-11 Brave Tiger]] and M60A3 TTS tanks.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201807090019.aspx |title=Taiwan Army mulls spending US$990 million on M1A2 tanks |publisher=FOCUS TAIWAN News Channel |date=9 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712184042/http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201807090019.aspx |archive-date=12 July 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> The [[United States Department of State|U.S. Department of State]] approved the $2.2 billion sale in July 2019.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3741248|title=US State Department greenlights US$2.2 billio...|first=Keoni|last=Everington|website=Taiwan News|date=9 July 2019|access-date=23 May 2020|archive-date=4 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200304165129/https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3741248 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.defensenews.com/land/2019/07/08/state-okays-possible-2-billion-abrams-tank-sale-to-taiwan/|title=US State Dept. OKs possible $2 billion Abrams tank sale to Taiwan|first=Jen|last=Judson|date=9 July 2019|website=Defense News|archive-date=14 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230114043754/https://www.defensenews.com/land/2019/07/08/state-okays-possible-2-billion-abrams-tank-sale-to-taiwan/ |url-status=live}}</ref> A sale of 108 M1A2Ts was later finalized.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.newsweek.com/taiwan-would-fight-off-china-invasion-long-it-takes-defense-minister-says-1577026|title= Taiwan would fight off China invasion for as long as it takes, defense minister says|website= [[Newsweek]]|date= 18 March 2021|archive-date= 16 May 2021|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210516174407/https://www.newsweek.com/taiwan-would-fight-off-china-invasion-long-it-takes-defense-minister-says-1577026 |url-status= live}}</ref> The first two were delivered to Taiwan in June 2022,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thedefensepost.com/2022/03/17/taiwan-to-receive-abrams-tanks/|title=Taiwan to Receive First Two Abrams Tanks in June|publisher=TheDefensePost|date=March 17, 2022}}</ref> with an additional 38 delivered in December 2024.<ref>{{cite news |last=Mandal |first=Sohini |date=16 December 2024 |title=Taiwan receives first batch of M1A2T Abrams tanks |url=https://www.janes.com/osint-insights/defence-news/defence/taiwan-receives-first-batch-of-m1a2t-abrams-tanks|work=Janes |location= |access-date=18 December 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Gomez |first=Eric |date=16 December 2024 |title=First 38 M1A2T Abrams Tanks Arrive in Taiwan |url=https://www.cato.org/news-releases/first-38-m1a2t-abrams-tanks-arrive-taiwan|work=Cato Institute |location= |access-date=18 December 2024}}</ref>
[[File:M1A1 Abrams arrives in Germany for Ukraine-1.jpg|thumb|right|M1A1s intended for Ukraine arriving in Germany, May 2023]]
*{{UKR}} – [[Ukrainian Ground Forces]]: 31 M1A1SA (Situational awareness).<ref>{{cite web |last1=Axe |first1=David |title=Ukraine's M-1 Abrams Tanks Are 'Situational Awareness' Models: Not The Best M-1s, But Available In Large Numbers |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2023/11/25/ukraines-m-1-abrams-tanks-are-situational-awareness-models-not-the-best-m-1s-but-available-in-large-numbers/?sh=741db2475f31 |website=Forbes |access-date=27 November 2023 |language=en}}</ref> 31 M1A1 Abrams were delivered prior to 16 October 2023, as part of U.S. support for Ukraine.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Babb |first=Carla |date=2023-10-16 |title=All 31 Abrams Tanks in Ukraine, US Military Confirms to VOA |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/all-31-abrams-tanks-in-ukraine-us-military-confirms-to-voa/7313918.html |access-date=2024-06-08 |website=Voice of America |language=en}}</ref> As of 21 March 2023, the US government is offering to supply Ukraine with older M1A1 Abrams tanks, "that have been upgraded very similar capability to the M1A2", as opposed to newer M1A2 tanks in an effort to speed up delivery. According to Pentagon Press Secretary U.S. Air Force Brigadier General [[Pat Ryder]] these tanks are to be delivered "by Fall" 2023 instead of the original delivery time of mid-2024. These tanks are to be taken from existing M1A1 "excessive hulls" from United States stocks and modernized to the required standard.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/m1a1-abrams-variant-will-be-given-to-ukraine-to-expedite-tank-deliveries |title= M1A1 Abrams Variant Will Be Given To Ukraine To Expedite Tank Deliveries |date= 21 March 2023 |work= The Drive |author= Joseph Trevithick |access-date= 21 March 2023 |archive-date= 30 March 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230330125933/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/m1a1-abrams-variant-will-be-given-to-ukraine-to-expedite-tank-deliveries |url-status= dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3277910/biden-announces-abrams-tanks-to-be-delivered-to-ukraine/ |title=Biden Announces Abrams Tanks to be Delivered to Ukraine|work=US Department of Defense|date=25 January 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.army-technology.com/news/ukraine-to-receive-older-m1a1-from-the-us-instead-of-the-more-modern-m1a2-models/ |title= Ukraine to receive older M1A1 tanks from the US, instead of the modern A2 variants |date=22 March 2023 |work= Army Technology |author=Richard Thomas}}</ref> In April, the U.S. announced that the Abrams tanks will soon be sent to Germany so that Ukrainian soldiers can start training on them.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-04-21|title= Allies move to bolster Ukrainian tank forces ahead of counteroffensive |work=Reuters |url= https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-presses-weapons-us-allies-meet-germany-2023-04-21/ |access-date= 2023-04-23}}</ref> On 6 September, the U.S. said it would supply Ukraine with depleted uranium ammunition for Abrams tanks, despite initially refusing to do so.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ukraine-war-armor-piercing-rounds-u-s-weapons/ |title=U.S. gives Ukraine armor-piercing rounds in $175 million package |last=Watson |first=Eleanor |date=6 September 2023 |website=CBS News}}</ref> On 25 September, it was reported that Ukraine had received its first shipment of M1 tanks.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-odesa-russia-strikes/32608092.html |title=Ukraine Hails Arrival of First U.S. Abrams Tanks As occupation Officials Claim Missile Attack on Sevastopol Repelled |date=25 September 2023 |website=RFE/RL}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |url= https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/25/world/europe/us-abrams-tanks-ukraine.html |work= The NY Times |title= US Abrams tanks for Ukraine |date= 25 September 2023 |last1= Jakes |first1= Lara}}</ref> On 16 October 2024, the Australian government announced a $245 million (AUD) aid package for Ukraine. It included the transfer of 49 M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-10-16 |title= Ukraine to receive aging Abrams tanks in latest Australian military aid package |url= https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-10-16/ukraine-to-receive-aging-australian-abrams-tanks/104480368 |access-date=2024-10-16 |work=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|author= Andrew Greene}}</ref> As of 1 July 2025, according to [[Oryxspioenkop]] website, 10 M1A1 SA Abrams tanks have been confirmed destroyed by the Russian forces, 1 damaged, 10 abandoned and 1 captured, meaning that Ukrainians have lost (visually confirmably) 22 M1A1 SA Abrams,<ref name="oryx"/> while Kiev Independent claims all but 4 of the 31 delivered from the US were destroyed.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 30, 2025 |title=US Army Responds to Losses of M1 Abrams Tanks in Ukraine |url=https://www.kyivpost.com/post/55415 |website=Kiev Post}}</ref>
* {{USA}} – [[United States Army]] received over 8,100 M1, M1A1 and M1A2 tanks combined.<ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite web |author=Fabio Prado |url=http://www.fprado.com/armorsite/abrams.htm |title=Main Battle Tank – M1, M1A1, and M1A2 Abrams |publisher=Armorsite |date=10 December 2009 |access-date=9 June 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090703163337/http://www.fprado.com/armorsite/abrams.htm |archive-date=3 July 2009}}</ref> U.S. Army – 2,640 total in service – 540 M1A1 SA; 1,410 M1A2 SEPv2; 690 M1A2 SEPv3 s; (1,500 more M1A1/A2 Abrams in store) estimated as of January 2025.<ref name="Military Balance 2025">{{cite book |title=The Military Balance |date=2025 |publisher=[[International Institute for Strategic Studies]] |isbn=978-1-041-04967-8}}</ref>{{rp|36}}<ref name=":02" />

===Future operators===
* {{BHR}} – [[Royal Bahraini Army]]: On 19 March 2024, the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced that the Department of State had approved the possible Foreign Military Sale to Bahrain of 50 M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams main battle tanks.<ref name="Bahrain Abrams">{{cite web|url=https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/bahrain-m1a2-abrams-main-battle-tanks|title=Bahrain – M1A2 Abrams Main Battle Tanks|language=en|work=Defense Security Cooperation Agency|date=19 March 2024}}</ref>
* {{ROU}} – [[Romanian Land Forces]]: On 7 March 2023, a senior defense official announced that the Romanian Land Forces is in the process of advancing a proposal for the purchase of an Abrams tank battalion. In May 2023, the decision to buy 54 used M1A2 Abrams from United States Army stocks was approved by the [[Parliament of Romania]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.defenseromania.ro/romania-buys-54-abrams-tanks-in-use-for-1-billion-euros_622713.html|title= Romania buys 54 Abrams tanks in use for 1 billion euros|work=DefenseRomania|date=16 May 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Luiza |first1=Ilie |last2=Nick |first2= Zieminski |date=2023-03-07 |title=Romania aims to buy Abrams tanks, senior army official says |work=Reuters |url= https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/romania-aims-buy-abrams-tanks-senior-army-official-says-2023-03-07/ |access-date=2023-03-07}}</ref> The Romanian M1A2 variant is designated M1A2R.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.dvidshub.net/publication/issues/66502|title=Security-Force Assistance BrigadeAids Allies in Theater |magazine=Armor |volume= CXXXVV|issue=1/Winter 2023|author= Nathan Sitterley|page=3|date=2023|issn=0004-2420}}</ref><ref name="m1a2r">{{cite press release |url=https://mdex-ndia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/PEO-GCS-and-ACC-DTA-FINAL.pdf |title=MBTS Current Initiatives |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230524203200/https://mdex-ndia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/PEO-GCS-and-ACC-DTA-FINAL.pdf |publisher=Michigan Defense Exposition and APBI – PEO GCS and ACC-DTA |author= Marlin Carlsen |page=24 |date=20 April 2023 |archive-date=24 May 2023}}</ref> On 9 November 2023, the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced that the Department of State had approved the possible Foreign Military Sale to Romania for 54 M1A2 tanks and related equipment for an estimated cost of $2.53 billion.<ref>{{Citation |url= https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/romania-m1a2-abrams-main-battle-tanks |publisher= DSCA |title= Romania M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks |work= Major arms sales |type= press release}}</ref>

=== Former operators ===
* {{flagu|United States}} – [[United States Marine Corps]]: In 2020 the Marine Corps announced the disbandment of its tank units, citing a pivot towards amphibious warfare by implementing [[Force Design 2030]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Garland|first=Chad|date=30 July 2020 |title=A farewell to armor: Marine Corps shuts down tank units, hauls away M1A1s |url=https://www.stripes.com/news/marine-corps/a-farewell-to-armor-marine-corps-shuts-down-tank-units-hauls-away-m1a1s-1.639355 |website= Stars and Stripes |access-date=17 May 2021 |archive-date=4 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204030021/https://www.stripes.com/news/marine-corps/a-farewell-to-armor-marine-corps-shuts-down-tank-units-hauls-away-m1a1s-1.639355 |url-status=live}}</ref> All 450 of the Marine Corps M1 Abrams MBTs were transferred to the U.S. Army with withdrawal from Marine Corps service being completed in May 2021.<ref>{{cite web |last=Athey |first=Philip |date= 2021-05-26 |title=Marine Corps deactivates its final active-duty tank battalion |url=https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2021/05/25/marine-corps-deactivates-its-final-active-duty-tank-battalion/ |access-date=2022-07-20 |website=Marine Corps Times |language=en |archive-date=26 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526142137/https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2021/05/25/marine-corps-deactivates-its-final-active-duty-tank-battalion/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

====Former non-state operators====
* {{flag|Islamic State}} – 9 vehicles were destroyed by ISIL in [[Ramadi]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-02-01 |title=Vehicles And Equipment Captured And Destroyed By The Islamic State Inside Iraq Until November 2014 - Oryx |url=https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2014/11/vehicles-and-equipment-captured-and.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240201204306/https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2014/11/vehicles-and-equipment-captured-and.html |archive-date=1 February 2024 |access-date=2024-05-26}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-01-14 |title=ISIS Captures Hundreds of US Vehicles and Tanks in Ramadi from Iraqis |url=https://www.military.com/daily-news/2015/05/20/isis-captures-hundreds-of-us-vehicles-and-tanks-in-ramadi-from-i.html/amp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230114102016/https://www.military.com/daily-news/2015/05/20/isis-captures-hundreds-of-us-vehicles-and-tanks-in-ramadi-from-i.html/amp |archive-date=14 January 2023 |access-date=2024-05-26}}</ref>
* {{flagicon image|Hisbollah-Brigaden_Flagge.svg}} [[Kata'ib Hezbollah]] – One vehicle was seen in use by Kata'ib Hezbollah around January 2015, another vehicle was again seen in use in January 2016 and another one was seen being transported in March 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-02-07 |title=Hezbollah Captures ISIS Stronghold |url=https://www.military.com/video/operations-and-strategy/terrorism/hezbollah-captures-isis-stronghold/4701906611001 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180207224840if_/https://www.military.com/video/operations-and-strategy/terrorism/hezbollah-captures-isis-stronghold/4701906611001 |archive-date=7 February 2018 |access-date=2024-05-26}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-16 |title=US Inspector General acknowledges Iran-backed militias obtained Abrams tanks {{!}} FDD's Long War Journal |url=https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2018/02/us-inspector-general-acknowledges-iran-backed-militias-obtained-abrams-tanks.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516153404if_/https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2018/02/us-inspector-general-acknowledges-iran-backed-militias-obtained-abrams-tanks.php |archive-date=16 May 2024 |access-date=2024-05-26}}</ref>
* [[Popular Mobilization Forces]] – One vehicle was seen in a PMF video [[Montage (filmmaking)|montage]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-05 |title=Iranian-backed militia seen with US tank in Iraq {{!}} FDD's Long War Journal |url=https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2016/02/iranian-backed-militia-seen-with-us-tank-in-iraq.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105091816if_/https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2016/02/iranian-backed-militia-seen-with-us-tank-in-iraq.php |archive-date=5 January 2024 |access-date=2024-05-26}}</ref>

==Examples on display==
* M1 at the [[Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum]] in [[Simi Valley, California]].<ref>https://www.reaganfoundation.org/library-museum/permanent-exhibits/m-1-abrams-tank</ref>
* M1A1 at the [[American Heritage Museum]] in [[Hudson, Massachusetts]].<ref>https://www.americanheritagemuseum.org/event/ahm-presentation-history-of-the-abrams-tank/</ref>
* M1 at the [[First Division Museum]] in [[Cantigny, Illinois]].<ref>https://www.fdmuseum.org/exhibit/m1-abrams-tank/</ref>

== See also ==
* [[List of the United States military vehicles by model number]]
* [[List of main battle tanks by country]]
* [[List of main battle tanks by generation]]
* [[Unmanned ground vehicle]]

== References ==

===Notes===
{{reflist|group="nb"}}

===Citations===
{{reflist|25em}}

===Bibliography===
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*{{cite book |last1=Hunnicutt |first1=R. P. |author1-link= R. P. Hunnicutt |title=Abrams: A History of the American Main Battle Tank |date=15 September 2015 |orig-date=1990 |publisher=Echo Point Books & Media |location=Battleboro, VT |isbn=978-1-62654-166-5}}
* {{cite book |last1=Kelly |first1=Orr |title=King of the Killing Zone |date=1989 |publisher=W. W. Norton & Company |location=New York, New York |isbn=0-425-12304-9 |url=https://archive.org/details/kingofkillingzon00kell}}
*{{cite report |author1=Information Spectrum |title=Lessons Learned M1 Tank System |date=15 July 1983 |url=https://archive.org/details/DTIC_ADA135524 |access-date=6 January 2024}}{{Source-attribution}}
* {{cite journal |last1=McNaugher |first1=Thomas L. |title=Collaborative Development of Main Battle Tanks: Lessons From the U.S.-German Experience, 1963–1978 |journal=Rand Corporation |date=August 1981 |url=https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/ADA105123.pdf |access-date=6 January 2024}}{{Source-attribution}}
* Practical Applications of Vehicle Control within the Distributed Processing Architecture, Proceedings of the 1992 American Control Conference, Ruggirello, Joseph A., Bielawski, Dennis A., and Diaz, R. Gary, General Dynamics, IEEE, Published June 1992
* {{cite report |last1=Staats |first1=Elmer B. |title=Department Of Defense Consideration Of West Germany's Leopard As The Army's New Main Battle Tank |date=28 November 1977 |page=i |url=https://www.gao.gov/assets/psad-78-1.pdf |access-date=4 January 2024}}
* {{cite book |last1=Zaloga |first1=Steven |author-link=Steven Zaloga |last2=Sarson |first2=Peter |year=1993 |title=M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank 1982–1992 |series=New Vanguard (Book 2) |location=Oxford, UK |publisher=[[Osprey Publishing]] |isbn=1-85532-283-8 |url=https://archive.org/details/m1abramsmainbatt0000unse}}
* {{cite book |last=Zaloga |first=Steven J. |year=2009 |title=M1 Abrams vs T-72 Ural: Operation Desert Storm 1991 |location=Oxford, UK; New York |publisher=Osprey Publishing |isbn=978-1-84603-407-7 |lccn=2009502059}}
* {{cite book |last=Zaloga |first=Steven J. |year=2019 |title=M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank 1993–2018 |location=Oxford, UK; New York |publisher=Osprey Publishing |isbn=978-1-47283-178-1|url=https://archive.org/details/m-1-a-2-abrams-main-battle-tank-1993-2018-steven-j.-zaloga}}
* {{cite book |editor1-last=Windrow |editor1-first=Martin |last=Zaloga |first=Steven J. |year=1985 |title=The M1 Abrams Battle Tank |location=London |publisher=Osprey Publishing |isbn=0-85045-584-7 |url=https://archive.org/details/vanguard-41-the-m-1-abrams-battle-tank-images}}
* (2019) [https://asb.army.mil/Portals/105/Reports/2010s/2019%20A%20NGAAS%20REPORT%20Compressed.pdf?ver=_Ps3LRHyet3YWATNNgs9lw%3D%3D An Independent Assessment of the Next Generation Armor/Anti-Armor Strategy]. ''[[Army Science Board]]'', retrieved 3 September 2024

== External links ==
{{Commons}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20220403094719/https://asc.army.mil/web/portfolio-item/abrams-main-battle-tank/ Abrams U.S. Army Acquisition Support Center page]&nbsp;— U.S. Army
*[https://www.army-technology.com/projects/m1a1-2-abrams-main-battle-tank/ M1A1/2 Abrams Main Battle Tank] &nbsp;— Global Defense Technology
*{{YouTube |id=TcfuyyxFtgQ |title=AbramsX Technology Demonstrator on the Move}}, concept video for proposed next-generation AbramsX tank with autonomous operation and a silent mode, October 2022

{{US tanks|style=wide}}
{{Cold War tanks|style=wide}}
{{Post–Cold War tanks|style=wide}}
{{General Dynamics}}
{{Gas turbine vehicles}}

[[Category:Cold War tanks of the United States]]
[[Category:Gas turbine vehicles]]
[[Category:General Dynamics land vehicles]]
[[Category:Main battle tanks of the Cold War]]
[[Category:Main battle tanks of the United States]]
[[Category:Military vehicles introduced in the 1980s]]
[[Category:Tanks named after individuals]]