I would rather think it was an "
educated" guess
at the time. All the signs pointed to it and maybe we've just been doing it for so long as well.
However, there was a
delay which will probably push it back to
JAN 2024 before they get
all 31 tanks to form the Battalion that will operate them.
So far
none of the Western tanks or other tanks (
M-55S.) have been fielded before their Battalions have received them.
They will receive
6-8 in the
initial shipment. All are
Ex-Marine tanks.
I feel the
80 some
FEP tanks the CORPS had, have by this time finished their conversion to the
M1A1C.
The
FEP tanks were modernized enough to minimize the time to convert them to the
M1A2C standard. I'm guessing saving three to four months less on the production line then the current
18 to 24 months for the rest as has been already posted.
https://www.armyrecognition.com/defe...aine_soon.html
https://www.armyrecognition.com/defe..._pentagon.html
Also, I didn't intend at the time to mean nothing more than we wouldn't see the
M1A2D (SEP 4) before the game ended. Well thins have taken a dramatic turn
NO ONE will see the
M1A2D (SEP 4) .
"On
September 6, 2023, the U.S. Army announced its decision to
halt the ongoing upgrades of the M1A2 Abrams Main Battle Tank. Instead, the Army has initiated the development of a
new armored platform, referred to as the
M1E3 Abrams, with the objective of addressing the evolving requirements of future battlefields, particularly those expected to emerge beyond the year 2040."
"The Army's official statement indicates that the
M1E3 Abrams is anticipated to achieve its initial operational capability in the early 2030s. This timeframe coincides with growing concerns surrounding evolving warfare scenarios, as exemplified by recent events such as the conflict in Ukraine."
"This modernization initiative is expected to bolster the effectiveness and maneuverability of armored brigade combat teams on a global scale, achieved by reducing sustainment demands and improving operational and tactical mobility.
As part of the transition process, the Army will continue limited production of the M1A2 SEP v.3 until production fully shifts to the M1E3 Abrams. Additionally,
critical technologies will be carried forward into the SEPv4 Abrams modernization program." (In other words; the
current SEP 4 technologies will serve as the baseline technologies for the
M1E3 ABRAMS.)
https://www.armyrecognition.com/defe...ttle_tank.html
Regards,
Pat
