New Australian M1A2 Abrams SEP V3 main battle tanks have been spotted in the United States. A user with the handle karlkristo shared the images to another user on X.
A train (VCRR 2136) carrying the tanks was seen in Oxnard, California, heading to Port Hueneme. The characteristic three-color camouflage and identification markings indicate that these tanks are for the Australian Armed Forces.
The agreement for the supply of 75 M1A2 SEP V3 tanks was made in January 2022. In addition to tanks, the deal includes 29 M1150 Assault Breacher Vehicles, 18 M1074 Joint Assault Bridges, and 6 M88A2 Hercules armored recovery vehicles.
This purchase is part of the Australian Ministry of Defense programs to upgrade its main tank fleet (LAND 907 Phase 2) and acquire armored engineering vehicles (LAND 8160 Phase 1). The total value of the deal is estimated at $2.5 billion. The first deliveries under this agreement are expected this year, with initial operational capability planned for 2025.
The new M1A2 SEP V3 tanks will replace 59 M1A1 SA tanks currently in service with the Australian Army, which were purchased from the US Armed Forces in 2006. Ukraine is interested in acquiring used Australian M1A1 tanks.
Additionally, it was recently reported that the Royal Australian Air Force received its first MQ-4C Triton patrol drone from Northrop Grumman. This drone has been incorporated into the 9th Squadron of the Royal Australian Air Force.
