General Dynamics‘ [GD] Land Systems was awarded a $614 million contract to upgrade 235 M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks to the M1A2 Systems Enhancement Package (SEP) Version Two (V2) configuration, the company said this week.
The order from Army TACOM Lifecycle Management Command was made under a multi-year contract awarded in February 2008 that authorized the modernization of 435 M1A1 tanks in the Army’s inventory for more than 20 years.
An additional 180 tanks remain to be upgraded through the program, which will complete the conversion of all tanks in the Army’s active component to the M1A2 SEP V2 configuration.
The most technologically advanced digital tank, the M1A2 SEP V2, includes improved color displays, day and night thermal sights, auxiliary power and a tank-infantry phone. It can also accommodate future technology improvements for compatibility with the Army’s Future Combat Systems.
The work will be done in Anniston, Ala.; Tallahassee, Fla.; Sterling Heights, Mich.; Lima, Ohio; and Scranton, Pa.