Australian Army Gears Up for Arrival of Modern M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams and AS21 Redback IFVs.

The Australian Army is reorganizing to accommodate a significant modernization of its armored capabilities, as heavy vehicles like the M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams tanks and AS21 Redback infantry fighting vehicles are concentrated in Townsville. This reorganization, part of the country’s key defense projects, follows last year’s Defence Strategic Review.
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An Australian M1A1 Abrams tank from the 2nd Cavalry Regiment fires a round during a Live Fire Accuracy Screening Test at the Townsville Field Training Area in Queensland, Australia, August 4, 2023 (Picture source: US DoD)

The Australian Army’s 3rd Brigade, based in Townsville, will operate the bulk of these new heavy armored vehicles. Among them, the M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams, main battle tanks from the United States, are expected to arrive in Australia soon. Last June, 27 Abrams tanks were spotted on railcars headed to the Port of Hueneme, California. They are believed to have been shipped to Melbourne by cargo ship and then transported by truck to the Joint Logistics Unit in Bandiana.

Australia currently operates 59 M1A1 Abrams tanks, acquired in 2007 to replace its older Leopard 1 tanks. As part of its armored force modernization, Australia plans to purchase 75 M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams. These new tanks will bring significant improvements in protection, technology, and operational capabilities. The acquisition is part of a broader program aimed at enhancing the defense capabilities of the Australian Army.

The M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams is a modernized version of the renowned American main battle tank, featuring significant upgrades in protection, mobility, and firepower. It is equipped with a 120 mm M256 main gun, a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun, and a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun on the turret. In terms of protection, the SEPv3 boasts enhanced composite armor with options for the Trophy active protection system, designed to intercept threats like rockets and missiles. On the electronics front, it includes advanced battlefield management systems, improved communication capabilities, better energy management, and embedded diagnostic systems for more efficient maintenance. These upgrades make the SEPv3 more resilient and suited to modern combat environments.

This delivery is part of a larger initiative to strengthen the Australian Army’s heavy armored capabilities. In parallel, Hanwha Defence Australia has recently opened a new factory that will also support the production and maintenance of armored vehicles for the Australian Army, particularly the AS21 Redback.

The Australian Army is reorganizing to support a major modernization of its armored capabilities, consolidating M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams tanks (right) and AS21 Redback infantry fighting vehicles (left) in Townsville (Picture source: Australian DoD)

Australia plans to acquire 129 AS21 Redback infantry fighting vehicles as part of Phase 3 of the LAND 400 program, a modernization project for the Australian Army. The AS21 Redback, developed by Hanwha Defense, is designed to provide top-tier protection and mobility for mechanized infantry units. Armed with a 30 mm Mk44S Bushmaster II cannon and Spike-LR2 anti-tank missiles, the Redback is built to engage enemy armored vehicles and support ground troops.

Its protection is ensured by modular armor, with the option to integrate active protection systems to counter threats like rockets and missiles. The AS21 also features advanced electronic systems, including a comprehensive suite of sensors and a digital combat management system to enhance battlefield coordination. It can carry up to eight infantry soldiers in addition to its crew, making it highly suitable for close support operations.

These AS21 Redback vehicles are intended to replace the M113AS4 armored personnel carriers, which have been in service for several decades. Although upgraded over the years, the M113AS4 is no longer suitable for modern battlefield demands. The Redback offers superior protection, increased mobility, and advanced combat systems, meeting the current and future needs of the Australian forces.

While there has been no indication of integrating the Trophy active protection system on these Abrams, the acquisition of these vehicles marks a significant step in the modernization of the Australian Army, enhancing its ability to address modern battlefield threats.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to consolidate the country’s heavy armored capabilities in Townsville, allowing the army to maximize the efficiency of its new equipment while centralizing its management and deployment.