After the USA changed the version of Abrams tanks for Ukraine from M1A2 to M1A1, the main question remained in its exact modernization.
In fact, everything is much more complicated with the Abrams modernizations than with the Leopard 2. The current M1A1 modernizations are the M1A1 FEP, which were used by the marines, and the M1A1 SA from the ground forces.
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In addition, there were options that these would be special export versions. In particular, there is the M1A1M for Iraq, which was a simplified version. For example, a machine gun turret with a thermal sight, which plays the role of a commander's panorama, was not installed.
But, as Defense News reports, after speaking to under secretary of the U.S. Army Gabe Camarillo, the US will deliver to Ukraine the refurbished Abrams of the M1A1 SA version. That is, identical to the modernization that is currently in use in the U.S. armed forces.
The M1A1 SA is basically a completely new vehicle. New sights and observation devices are installed in this version, the role of the commander's panorama is played by a combat module with machine gun weapons, the means of communication are digitized and the information tactical system FBCB2 is installed.
The armour is also changed, and although it was not specified by Mr. Camarillo, instead of the depleted uranium armor, which is not transferred even to the closest allies, the tanks will most likely be in export version.
The M1A1 SA is generally considered to be on par with the M1A2 SEPv2, and both upgrades took place at the same time in the 2010s. Australia and Morocco received tanks in a similar version.
Geibo Camarillo also noted that the transfer of these vehicles to Ukraine will not affect the schedule of supplying tanks to other countries, in particular Poland, which is to receive the M1A1 FEP and M1A2 SEPv3 tanks.
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