Breaking News
Successful Integration Confirmed as Polish Abrams M1A2 SEPv3 Tanks Conduct First Test Firings.
On April 7, 2025, the Biedrusko training ground near Poznań marked a historic milestone for Poland’s armored forces. The newly acquired M1A2 Abrams SEPv3 tanks conducted their first live-fire exercises, marking a new phase in the Polish Land Forces’ fast-paced modernization process. As reported by Głos Wielkopolski, the exercises, led by personnel from the Land Forces Training Center (CSWL) in Poznań and the 1st Armored Brigade from Wesoła, are part of a broader training program launched more than three years ago. These events also raise critical questions regarding the protection systems of Poland’s armored fleet amid modern battlefield threats.
Poland signed a $4.75 billion contract in 2022 for 250 Abrams M1A2 SEPv3 tanks, along with support equipment, including 26 M88A2 Hercules recovery vehicles and 17 M1074 Joint Assault Bridges, with deliveries scheduled through 2024 and 2025 (Picture source: Poland MoD)
Poland’s training on Abrams tanks began in October 2021 when the first group of soldiers departed for a U.S. training center in Idaho. Since July 2022, the instruction has continued at the Abrams Tank Training Academy within the CSWL in Poznań, using U.S.-provided equipment, including M1A1 SEPv2 models. The live fire event in Biedrusko marks a pivotal moment—it is the first live test in Poland of the M1A2 SEPv3. The participating crews are seasoned soldiers already trained on earlier Abrams variants and now familiar with the specific features of this upgraded model.
The M1A2 Abrams SEP V3 (System Enhanced Package version 3) represents the most advanced configuration of the Abrams platform currently in service. Compared to its predecessors, the SEPv3 features an upgraded fire control system and a 120mm main gun compatible with AMP (Advanced Multi-Purpose) ammunition. This allows operators to switch firing modes for varied targets, ranging from entrenched infantry to armored vehicles. In terms of protection, the tank incorporates enhanced composite armor with passive and reactive layers and is designed to support the integration of active protection systems (APS), though this capability remains unutilized in the Polish fleet. Additionally, the SEPv3 is equipped with an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) that powers onboard systems without relying on the main engine, reducing both thermal and acoustic signatures.
Digital capabilities have also been significantly improved. The M1A2 SEPv3 is compatible with modern command and control systems, enabling real-time battlefield data sharing and enhancing situational awareness and operational coordination. Its diagnostic systems are optimized for predictive maintenance, helping crews detect issues early and minimize downtime. The modular design of the platform further facilitates efficient repair and component replacement, aligning it with the operational tempo expected of front-line units.
Lieutenant Colonel Maciej Łukarski, commander of the tank battalion at Biedrusko, emphasized the technical advancements of the SEPv3 variant, including improved armor, upgraded fire control systems, next-generation optics and thermal imaging, and enhanced communications. While not immediately visible from the outside, these enhancements affect crew coordination and engagement procedures. Upon completing the basic training course, each crew member is qualified to perform any function within the tank, including driving, weapons operation, and communications. This cross-training aims to ensure maximum flexibility within platoons.
The initial test firing was conducted from a prepared position at the range. The target was located several kilometers away, and the firing process was remotely initiated via an external cable, with the crew initially positioned outside the vehicle. This safety protocol is standard during early familiarization. In the following days, crews are scheduled to conduct additional live fire drills during both day and night to complete a range of tactical scenarios.
Despite the significance of this achievement, concerns remain regarding the integration of active protection systems. The Polish M1A2 SEPv3 tanks are “fitted for” but not equipped with the Trophy APS. To date, the Polish Ministry of Defence has not confirmed any procurement of this system, and the availability of Trophy modules is uncertain—especially in light of the delays observed in the UK’s Challenger 3 program, which has also been affected by APS supply chain challenges. The question of whether and when such systems will be ordered remains open, with implications for both timelines and budgetary priorities.
These concerns are not limited to the Abrams platform alone. Future armored vehicles, including the K2PL tanks to be produced under South Korean license, are also expected to feature both soft-kill and hard-kill protection systems. Given the current context of the war in Ukraine, where anti-tank threats are widespread and evolving, the absence of operational APS on new platforms represents a vulnerability that could impact battlefield survivability in high-intensity conflict environments.
Poland signed a $4.75 billion contract in 2022 for 250 Abrams M1A2 SEPv3 tanks, along with support equipment, including 26 M88A2 Hercules recovery vehicles and 17 M1074 Joint Assault Bridges, with deliveries scheduled through 2024 and 2025. The first 28 tanks arrived in January 2025, with ongoing deliveries planned. Upon arrival by sea, the tanks are processed at the Zakłady Motoryzacyjne facility in Poznań to prepare them for service. This acquisition complements a separate deal for 116 M1A1 SEPv2 tanks ordered in 2023 and delivered through June 2024, which were assigned to the 1st Tank Battalion of the 1st Armored Brigade in Wesoła and the 1st Tank Battalion of the 19th Lublin Mechanized Brigade.
With these acquisitions, Poland becomes the third country to operate the SEPv3 version after the United States and Australia, which received its first units in November 2024. While training and delivery are proceeding as planned, achieving full operational capability depends on critical decisions—particularly regarding the implementation of active protection systems. In the context of ongoing regional tensions, these decisions will directly influence the Polish Army’s capacity to counter advanced battlefield threats.
The inaugural live firing of the M1A2 SEPv3 tanks at Biedrusko marks a tangible step in Poland’s move toward higher technological standards in armored warfare. However, this technical progress also highlights a key issue: modernization of platforms must be accompanied by the integration of complete protection solutions. As regional instability and modern warfare continue to evolve, aligning equipment acquisition with defensive system implementation remains a strategic imperative for Poland.