First Batch of US M1A2 Main Battle Tanks Arrive at Powidz APS-2 Site in Poland.

The Powidz Army Prepositioned Stocks-2 (APS-2) site, considered the most modern prepositioned stocks facility in the world, has started receiving its first batch of equipment. On June 27, 2024, the initial delivery, comprising 14 M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks and one M88 armored recovery vehicle, arrived by rail.
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A US M1A2 Abrams Main Battle Tank in Poland. (Picture source: US DoD)

This marks a milestone in the site's development towards full operational capacity by 2025. Once fully operational, the APS-2 site will house over 5,000 major items, including hundreds of M1A2 tanks, M2 Bradley fighting vehicles, and M109 Paladin self-propelled howitzers. This will enable it to support a fully modernized armored brigade combat team. The site is one of six active APS-2 facilities in Europe under the direction of the 405th Army Field Support Brigade.

The strategic importance of the Powidz APS-2 site lies in its ability to quickly equip U.S.-based armored brigade combat teams deployed to Europe for training or contingency operations. This rapid deployment capability significantly shortens the time needed to project combat power to NATO's eastern flank, which previously could take up to 60 days.

Colonel Ernest Lane II, commander of the 405th AFSB, emphasized the strategic importance of the facility, highlighting its role in maintaining operational readiness in collaboration with NATO and Polish partners. “This facility illustrates the synergy between the United States, NATO, and our Polish allies, ensuring that we can maintain readiness and quickly deploy our forces,” Lane said.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers designed the state-of-the-art APS-2 site, which covers 650,000 square feet of climate-controlled warehouse space, a vehicle maintenance facility, and 58,000 square feet of munitions storage. The facility meets Polish construction standards and will house APS-2 tactical vehicles and equipment sets maintained by the 405th AFSB's Army Field Support Battalion-Poland.

The establishment of the Powidz APS-2 site underscores the United States and NATO's commitment to rapid deployment capabilities, strengthening deterrence efforts through strategic investments and partnerships. APS-2 sites like Powidz are essential for reducing deployment timelines for an armored brigade combat team to just one to two weeks.

These facilities also play a crucial role during major exercises. For instance, U.S.-based combat units participating in exercises such as DEFENDER can use equipment from APS-2 sites upon arrival in Poland or nearby countries.

Lieutenant Colonel Omar McKen, commander of AFSBn-Poland, emphasized the operational benefits of the new facility. “This strategic location allows for multiple approaches and rapid deployment within 48 hours, enhancing our operational readiness and deterrence capabilities,” McKen said.

The Powidz APS-2 site represents a significant advancement in NATO's operational readiness and strategic capabilities on its eastern flank. It enhances defense readiness, demonstrating the United States' ongoing commitment to its European allies and partners. Ultimately, the facility strengthens the partnership between the United States, NATO, and Poland, contributing to the collective defense and security of Europe.

The 405th AFSB's APS-2 program is crucial for improving operational readiness and the U.S. Army's combat support capability in Europe and Africa. By providing ready-to-deploy APS-2 packages, the program ensures rapid power projection and stability in the region.

The 405th AFSB, headquartered in Kaiserslautern, Germany, is part of the U.S. Army Sustainment Command. The brigade provides comprehensive material support to U.S. forces in Europe and Africa, ensuring logistical readiness and leveraging the U.S. Army Materiel Command's enterprise.