The U.S. Abrams M1A2 main battle tank has always been seen as the gold standard. It has twisted steel and lots of appeal. But now a new model has been unveiled that could give the existing Abrams variants a run for their money. The Abrams X concept has emerged from General Dynamics Land Systems and will be a featured attraction at the Association of the U.S Army expo happening the week of October 10.

Abrams X: Wait Until You Lay Your Eyes On It

You can see the Abrams X technology demonstrator in the video above. It is painted a grayish or dull silver. The first thing you’ll probably notice is the remote-controlled 30mm chain gun protruding from the turret. The turret itself will be unmanned, calling for a smaller crew of three instead of four will be on board.

Lighter Weight and Lower Fuel Requirements

The tank is lighter for better speed and maneuverability. Frame enhancements plus a hybrid-diesel electric propulsion system require 50 percent less fuel than the existing M1A2 gas-powered turbine engine. The main gun is shown off in the video and it appears to be powerful. The fire control system may feature a novel use of artificial intelligence and electro-optical sights.

New Platform After Abrams’ Decades of Service

A General Dynamics news release said the tank could have some elements of silent mobility. The defense contractor claimed the Abrams X will have better survivability and manned/unmanned teaming. The Abrams X is the next-generation tank after the upgraded SEPv3 and SEPv4 models. The original Abrams variant went to the troops in 1981, so the Abrams X has been a long time coming.

Modern Electronic Architecture

The Abrams X will allow for easier software and hardware upgrades with its KATALYST Next Generation Electronic Architecture. This system is planned to be used in other NATO armored vehicles. KATALYST offers better sensors, computer processing power, ethernet, and data exchange. KATALYST is able to “grow” with new technologies as they are developed in coming years as breakthroughs can be more easily added to the Abrams X. Sensors in front of the tank’s hull may be used for a 360-degree video feed. This will increase situational awareness.

It’s not clear how much this new tank will cost, but it is safe to say that the Abrams X could be more expensive. But it’s time for something new after decades of upgrading the same platform.

Keep the Tank Top of Mind

With the war in Ukraine, in which Russian tanks have struggled against anti-tank missiles, some military analysts are wondering if tank warfare has become obsolete. One aspect of the Russian armor problems is due to the fact Vladimir Putin’s forces do not have enough dismounted infantry to support their tanks. These soldiers can seek out enemy anti-tank missile launchers after they are fired to protect follow-on tank missiles. U.S. Army doctrine provides for adequate dismounted infantry to be included in a tank battle.

A complement to Other Armored Vehicles

Thus, the Abrams X will be an important addition to add firepower for the Infantry Brigade Combat Team. Plus, there is a light tank on the way to supplement the Abrams X. The Army’s Mobile Protected Firepower concept is ensuring that this light tank will have add-on armor panels and protection from anti-tank mines and IEDs. The ammunition compartments will be strongly protected to ensure crew survivability so anti-tank missiles do not come into contact with the tank’s ammunition – something Russian tanks have been afflicted by.

General Dynamics promo image of Abrams NextGen.

Abrams X Has a Bright Future

The Abrams X program is exciting and should give a boost to U.S. armored warfare adherents who still think the main battle tank is relevant. Reduced fuel consumption is key. The main gun should be even more accurate. With the U.S. Army having difficulty recruiting new soldiers, the reduced crew will save on manpower needs. Situational awareness and survivability will improve. The lighter weight will result in easier transportation to the front lines. Abrams X will enable a more lethal force and will someday become the featured system in the Army’s quest to maintain battlefield dominance.