Army has received its first M1A2 System Enhancement Package (SEP) v3 main battle tanks, with one example, A27702, on display at Land Forces 2024 in Melbourne. The tank, delivered just weeks ago, is assigned to B Sqn of the 3rd/4th Cavalry Regiment at the School of Armour.
The school, located within the Puckapunyal Military Area, farewelled their M1A1s in early September to prepare for M1A2 Sep v3 conversion courses. Those courses, which will begin within weeks, will train M1A2 Sep v3 crews and maintainers from across the Australian Army.
3rd Brigade in Townsville, which will operate all of Australia’s deployable tank capability, will receive its first M1A2 SEP V3s before the end of 2024.
“The first new tanks are expected in Townsville in late 2024 following some training and upgrades in Victoria,” the Commanding Officer of 3rd Brigade, Brigadier Dave McCammon, told ADM in July.
ADM understands that General Dynamics Land Systems Australia will provide through-life support for the fleet of 75 M1A2 SEP V3 main battle tanks, 29 M1150 assault breacher vehicles, 17 M1074 joint assault bridges and 19 M88A2 armoured recovery vehicles.