Australian Army Begins Integration of New Abrams M1A2 Main Battle Tanks

The Australian Army is quickly advancing its deployment of the latest Abrams M1A2 main battle tanks, with the first group of soldiers now trained in operations and maintenance at Puckapunyal. This initiative is part of a larger effort to modernize Australia’s armoured capabilities, with a total fleet of 75 tanks planned, 46 of which have already been delivered from the United States.

According to Major General Richard Vagg, Head of Land Capability, the upgraded M1A2 tanks offer enhanced lethality, protection, mobility, and communication systems. “These new main battle tanks are integral to our combined arms strategy,” he said. “They will allow our land forces to secure critical positions and support long-range operations as part of a unified defence force. No other battlefield asset can match this combination of protection, precise firepower, and cross-terrain mobility, which maximizes our soldiers’ mission success and their safe return home. We are thankful for the invaluable support from the United States through the Foreign Military Sales program, reflecting the depth of our alliance.”

Major General Jason Blain, Head of Land Systems, highlighted that the Army will leverage existing infrastructure to support these new tanks while also investing in Australian industry for maintenance and servicing. “The Abrams M1A2s will require extensive maintenance, repair, and overhaul capabilities, which we plan to establish in key locations,” Blain stated. The main support hubs will be positioned near operational bases, including Puckapunyal and Bandiana in Victoria, and Townsville in Queensland.

By the end of the year, 14 Abrams M1A2 tanks will be delivered to the 2nd Cavalry Regiment in Townsville, with field training scheduled to start in early 2025. This new armoured fleet marks a major step forward in equipping the Australian Army with cutting-edge technology to support national and allied defence objectives.