Polish Military To Receive 366 Abrams Tanks

• 11.06.2024, 13:40

The division will become one of the strongest tactical units in Europe.

Poland is actively building up its armored forces by purchasing modern Abrams tanks from the United States. After all deliveries are completed, the Polish army will have 366 Abrams tanks, which will significantly strengthen its armored forces against the background of other European countries.

This was reported on June 10 by the Polish publication a target="_blank" href=https://tech.wp.pl/pancerna-sila-polskiej-armii-wzmocnia-ja-kolejne-abramsy,7036980774341408a#>WP Tech.

The publication says that Poland has signed several large contracts for the supply of Abrams tanks. In April 2022, an agreement was signed for the purchase of 250 M1A2 SEP v.3 vehicles worth $4.75 billion. This package also included training, logistics and ammunition.

In January 2023, the Polish Ministry of Defense approved a contract for the delivery of 116 M1A1 FEP tanks worth $1.4 billion with a similar package.

The first deliveries began in June 2023, when 14 M1A1 FEP tanks arrived in Poland. Over the next six months, 26 more tanks of this model were delivered to the country, and 29 more in January 2024. Thus, Poland currently has 67 M1A1 FEP tanks and 28 American M1A2 SEPv2 tanks transferred for training purposes.

Meanwhile, photos have appeared on social media indicating that a new batch of 50 Abrams tanks is already on its way from South Carolina to Poland.

Poland's “Iron Division”

Thus, after all deliveries are completed, Poland will be able to form two battalions of 58 tanks each. The American armored vehicles will be put into service with the 18th Mechanized Division, which, thanks to the new Abrams, according to former Defense Minister Mariusz Błaszczak, will become one of the strongest tactical units not only in Poland, but also in Europe.

The article also emphasizes that the purchase of M1A1 tanks was possible due to the fact that these vehicles were withdrawn from the US Marine Corps and stored in warehouses. Before being sent to Poland, the tanks were adapted to the requirements of the Polish army, repaired, and the armor was partially replaced.

Despite the fact that the M1A1 is the oldest version of the Abrams, it has undergone many upgrades. The Firepower Enhancement Program package includes improvements to the thermal imager, fire control system, navigation module, laser rangefinder and other components. The tanks are equipped with a 120 mm M256 smoothbore gun, and the Honeywell AGT1500 gas turbine, which allows the use of various types of fuel, serves as a power plant.