Modernization of Romanian Tank Forces: From Soviet T-55 to American Abrams M1A2 SEPv3.

The Romanian Land Forces are set to enhance their armored capabilities with the delivery of 54 Abrams M1A2 SEPv3 tanks, starting in 2026. This represents a significant upgrade from the current fleet, which includes aging T-55 tanks and the more recent TR-85M1 Bizonul.  Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

Polish Land Forces train on their newly equipped M1A2 Abrams Main Battle Tank during the M1A2 Abrams Tank Training Academy class at Biedrusko Training Area, Poland, Sept. 7, 2023 (Picture source: US DoD)

The M1A2 Abrams SEP v3, also known as M1A2C, is a modernized version of the M1A2 main battle tank, featuring significant improvements in survivability, maintainability, efficiency, and network capabilities. First presented in October 2015 at the AUSA defense exhibition in Washington, D.C., the M1A2C SEP v3 entered service with the U.S. Army in 2017. This variant includes enhancements such as the Ammunition DataLink (ADL), improved 120mm ammunition, and the Improved Forward-Looking Infrared (IFLIR) system. Its primary armament is a 120mm smoothbore cannon, supplemented by a Low Profile (LP) Common Remotely Operated Weapon System (CROWS) and several machine guns for increased combat versatility.

The M1A2C SEP v3 has been adopted by various countries, including Poland, which acquired 250 units, and Australia, which purchased 75 units. The tank's design includes a new armor package for better protection against improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and a Honeywell AGT1500 gas turbine engine for mobility. It is equipped with advanced electronic warfare capabilities and the Trophy Active Protection System (APS) to defend against anti-armor threats. Weighing approximately 73,600 kg, the M1A2C can reach speeds of up to 68 km/h with a range of 425 km. These improvements ensure that the M1A2C SEP v3 remains a formidable asset on the modern battlefield.

The first tank incorporated into the Royal Romanian Army was the French Renault FT. France played a crucial role in training Romanian tank crews, a tradition honored on this centennial anniversary. Unfortunately, despite more than a century's passage, Romania's tank arsenal is far from modern. This is not merely due to a lack of funds but largely because planners did not consider tanks to hold a primary role in modern warfare until recently. This sentiment was widespread among its allies.

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has highlighted the importance of a hybrid approach combining heavy combat equipment with emerging technologies, prompting many nations, including Romania, to reassess their need for modern tanks.

Currently, Romania still operates T-55 tanks, maintaining three battalions of these outdated models. Retired General Virgil Bălăceanu noted that Romania's army has three T-55 battalions out of five, totaling approximately 162 operational T-55 tanks, initially acquired between 1961 and 1963 from the USSR and Czechoslovakia. However, the T-55 is outdated in every aspect, making Romania the only NATO country still operating these tanks.

Romania also relies on the TR-85 and its modernized variant, the TR-85M1 Bizonul, as the backbone of its tank forces. While a small number of T-72 tanks were imported from the Soviet Union in the early 1980s, Romania began developing its own tank, superior to both the T-55 and T-72. Production of the TR-85A and the TER-85 recovery tractor started in 1985. The TR-85M1 Bizonul, a product of a modernization program initiated in 1994 to ensure NATO interoperability, remains in service today, equipped with a 100mm semi-automatic gun with a maximum range of 14,600 meters. Despite ongoing modernization efforts for the M1R version, the need for modern tanks remains critical.

Looking to the future, Romania has signed a contract to acquire 54 Abrams M1A2 SEPv3 tanks, the most modern variant of the Abrams series currently used by the U.S. Army. These tanks will be part of a broader acquisition that includes 12 tank-based derivatives, ammunition, and training simulators, totaling approximately $1.07 billion, with deliveries starting in 2026. However, the question arises whether 54 tanks are sufficient, especially considering the need to replace three T-55 battalions.

Notably, Romanian tank crews recently tested the K2 Black Panther, an advanced tank from Hyundai Rotem, with promising results. (Picture source: Wikimedia)

Romanian military officials have indicated plans to acquire around 300 tanks, though not all will necessarily be Abrams. This procurement process will be lengthy and involve potential collaboration with other tank producers. Notably, Romanian tank crews recently tested the K2 Black Panther, an advanced tank from Hyundai Rotem, with promising results.

The K2 Black Panther is a new generation main battle tank developed and manufactured by the South Korean company Hyundai Rotem. Unveiled to the public in October 2009 during the ADEX defense exhibition in Seoul, the K2 was designed to replace the aging M48 Patton tanks in service with the South Korean Army. In 2014, the South Korean government signed an $820 million contract for the acquisition of 100 K2 MBTs, which began entering service in 2015. The Republic of Korea Army (ROKA) currently operates 100 K2 tanks, with plans to expand this number to over 600. The advanced systems of this tank have also been integrated into other designs, such as Turkey's Altay.

The K2 Black Panther is equipped with a German-made Rheinmetall 120mm L55 smoothbore gun, an automatic loader, and advanced munitions capable of penetrating sophisticated armor. The tank features composite armor and Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) blocks for enhanced protection, as well as an Active Defense System (ADS) to intercept incoming threats. Its mobility is powered by a 1,500 hp diesel engine, allowing speeds up to 70 km/h. The K2 also boasts an advanced fire control system, including thermal optics and radar, providing exceptional target acquisition and engagement capabilities. The sophisticated design and high performance of the K2 make it a formidable asset on the modern battlefield.