Summary and Key Points: Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the relevance of main battle tanks (MBTs) has been underscored, with both sides deploying various armored vehicles.

-The U.S. and NATO have supplied Ukraine with advanced MBTs, including the M1A1 Abrams, German Leopard IIs, and British Challengers.

-Among these, the U.S. Abrams tank stands out, particularly the upcoming AbramsX variant. This next-generation tank features a hybrid electric drive for enhanced fuel efficiency, lower thermal and acoustic signatures, and advanced AI capabilities. It also includes loitering munitions, reflecting the increasing role of drones in modern warfare.

AbramsX Is Coming Soon

Since February 2022, the world has witnessed the relevance of main battle tanks in modern conflict vis-à-vis Russia’s ongoing invasion.

Throughout the war, both Moscow and Kyiv have deployed a litany of armored vehicles to aid their respective agendas against each other.

From homegrown Soviet-era relics to newly imported Western tanks, various military systems have been showcased on the frontlines.

Last year, the U.S. and its North Atlantic Treaty Organization Allies (NATO) agreed to deliver groups of American-made M1A1 Abrams, German Leopard IIs and British Challengers to support Kyiv’s war efforts.

Now that these tanks are set to hit the battlefield, analysts and industry experts are observing how they perform in combat against Russia’s fleet. 

Although all the NATO-delivered MBTs pledged to Ukraine are believed to be superior to their Russian counterparts, America’s Abrams tank stands out.

The U.S. Army’s MBT has remained a critical component of the service’s armored corps for nearly four decades. Each successive Abrams that has been introduced to service over the years has been equipped with the last technological advancements for the tank to retain an edge over competitors.

The latest variant under development to lead the family of tanks is the AbramsX.

An overview of the Abrams tank series

In the 1960s, the U.S. and Germany collaborated to develop a replacement tank for the M60 Patton and Leopard I, respectively.

During the time, the Soviet Union and its capabilities posed a threat to most countries with its own T-62 main battle tank. The joint effort by the U.S. and Germany centered on developing a singular design that would improve existing Western tanks. Over the years, several Abrams variants have emerged.

However, the very first in this family line of tanks featured notably characteristics that set it apart from its near-peers. The original Abrams tank was designed with composite armor, a sophisticated material that made it challenging for adversarial tanks to penetrate.

The first variant was also fitted with a 120mm main gun, a 1,500 horsepower turbine engine, armor-piercing capabilities, and advanced tracking systems.

Introducing the AbramsX:

Back in 2022, manufacturer GDLS revealed a new type of Abrams tank. The AbramsX is expected to host even greater capabilities than its counterparts, including a hybrid electric drive propulsion system that is able to enhance fuel efficiency that will ensure greater survivability with lower thermal and acoustic signatures.

With a reduced weight, this variant can traverse the same range but with half the fuel consumption as other Abrams models.

GDLS also revealed that the new tank will have an embedded artificial intelligence capability that will make in truly unparalleled in lethality and mobility. Although this new tank will be fitted with a 120mm cannon as its primary armament, its gun is expected to be replaced with a more lightweight XM360.

A GDLS spokesperson told Breaking Defense last year that “What 76 and 78 [ton] tanks do to the military is challenge its logistical supplies, its ability to get across bridging in many of the countries that we might be called upon to fight and, so, specifically [the] Abrams X was meant to stimulate the conversation about what the zone of the possible would be to lighten the tank, integrate hybrid-electric drive capability and technology to produce silent mobility and silent watch capability, substantially increasing the … lethality of that platform.” 

Another exciting capability that will be added to the rear of the AbramsX is four launchers for Switchblade 300 munitions. These loitering unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), often referred to as “kamikaze’ or “suicide,” can be controlled by the crew from the front of the hull. Loitering munitions are impressive since they can linger around a target area before detonating.

While Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine has undoubtedly highlighted the key role tanks can play in war today, it has also emphasized the increasing use of drones in battle.

Once developed, the AbramsX’s UAV launcher capability will undoubtedly be an asset to its operators. 

About the Author: Maya Carlin

Maya Carlin is an analyst with the Center for Security Policy and a former Anna Sobol Levy Fellow at IDC Herzliya in Israel. She has by-lines in many publications, including The National Interest, Jerusalem Post, and Times of Israel. You can follow her on Twitter: @MayaCarlin. 

All images are Creative Commons.