[Yang Nak-gyu's Defense video] The Next Version of the USFK Tank: The Main Battle Tank of the US Mainland

[Asia Economy Reporter Yang Nak-gyu] Interest is growing in the equipment operated by the US Forces Korea as the 2nd Brigade Combat Team (Dagger Brigade) under the US Army 1st Infantry Division arrived in South Korea through Gwangyang Port in Jeollanam-do.

The US Eighth Army Command announced that it transported Army M1 Abrams tanks and M2 Bradley armored vehicles upon entering the country. This equipment is expected to be transported to its final destination via the railway system this weekend.

With this rotational deployment, the main tank of the 2nd Armored Brigade of the 1st Division stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas, is the M1 Abrams tank. However, on the US mainland, the M1 Abrams tank is being replaced by the 'M1A2 SEP v3' (hereafter SEP v3) main tank.

The US Army has operated the M1 Abrams tank for over 30 years and chose a new tank instead of upgrading the aging model. In 2017, it received the first six SEP v3 tanks. The system contractor for the SEP v3 is General Dynamics Land Systems. The US Army plans to replace over 1,500 Abrams tanks with SEP v3 models and others by September next year. The budget is $270 million (approximately 306.4 billion KRW).

The biggest feature of the SEP v3 tank is that it enhances survivability by applying the latest technology to improve firepower, detection capability, mobility, and armor protection. Regarding the main gun (120mm), it can fire the advanced multipurpose round (AMP), which is highly effective in urban combat, and especially the 5th generation 'M829E4' kinetic energy penetrator round treated with depleted uranium, capable of destroying enemy tanks at long range.

It is also equipped with a new support system (CROWS) that allows the 12.7mm machine gun to be fired easily while observing targets with the hatch closed. Additionally, it features an advanced ammunition data link called 'ADL,' which greatly improves the fire control capability of the tank gunner. To protect the tank from improvised explosive devices (IEDs), which demonstrated deadly power in Iraq and Afghanistan, it is equipped with an advanced system (CREW). Along with this, it also has advanced electronic systems such as a digital map that quickly displays the positions of friendly and enemy units via GPS.