Poland has signed an settlement to acquire 250 Abrams tanks from the US in a bid to strengthen its armed forces, as hostilities rage on in neighbouring Ukraine. Poland will buy Abrams M1A2 SEP (System Enhanced Package deal) v3 principal battle tanks. The procurement may also embody 26 M88A2 HERCULES upkeep autos, and 17 bridges M1074 Joint Assault Bridges. In complete, the deal values roughly $4.75bn, together with ammunition, and related coaching and logistics packages. The settlement was signed by the Polish Minister of Nationwide Defence Mariusz Blaszczak. The signing ceremony on the 1st Armoured Brigade, in Warsaw, was additionally attended by the US ambassador to Poland Mark Brzezinski.
“It’s a essential day within the historical past of Polish-American cooperation, but in addition an important day in relation to the historical past of the Polish Armed Forces. An settlement has simply been signed, that ensures the supply of 250 Abrams tanks in probably the most trendy model for the Polish Military. In July final yr, along with Deputy Prime Minister Jaroslaw Kaczynski, right here on the headquarters of the first Armoured Tadeusz Kosciuszko Brigade, a hero of two nations – Polish and American, we introduced the choice of the Polish authorities to buy Abrams tanks,” stated Mariusz Blaszczak, the Polish Minister of Nationwide Defence.
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The Abrams tanks in probably the most trendy SEPv3 model will probably be delivered to models situated within the jap a part of Poland, on the Japanese flank of NATO – primarily the 18th Mechanized Division, together with the first Armoured Brigade. The primary tanks for coaching will probably be delivered to the Polish Land Forces later this yr, and deliveries are scheduled to be accomplished in 2026. Together with the third technology ABRAMS M1A2 SEPv3 tanks, Poland may also obtain a logistics and coaching bundle. Simulators may also be bought. Will probably be the start of the implementation of one of many largest contracts within the historical past of the Polish Armed Forces. The M1A2 SEP V3 additionally referred to as M1A2C is the most recent technology of principal battle tanks within the household of M1A2 Abrams.
The M1A2 Abrams SEP V3 retains the structure of the M1A2 with the motive force’s cab on the ahead centre hull, turret within the center and energy pack on the rear. The tank integrates a joint tactical radio system (JTRS) handheld and small form-fit radio to make sure community readiness and interoperation with future brigade fight groups (BCTs). The Abrams M1A2 SEP V3 embody the Ammunition DataLink (ADL), improved 120mm ammunition, Improved Ahead-Wanting Infrared (IFLIR) and the low-profile (LP) Frequent Remotely Operated Weapon System (CROWS). The principle battle tank measures 9.7m-long, 3.7m-wide and a couple of.4m-high, and is manned by a crew of 4, together with a driver, a commander, a loader and a gunner. The 73.6-ton tank has a crew of 4 and may go 42 miles on a highway and 30 miles per hour cross-country.
