Warsaw continues to deepen defence ties with Washington as third batch of M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams deliveries grow alongside major US aircraft and helicopter deals.
On 11 September, the Polish Armament Agency confirmed the arrival of a third shipment of M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams tanks from the United States. The latest batch comprises 38 tanks, adding to 47 vehicles already delivered this year, and includes 14 M88A2 HERCULES recovery vehicles, considered critical for armoured units.
The original intergovernmental Letter of Offer and Acceptance for 250 M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams was approved on 5 April 2022. Alongside these tanks, the United States will supply 26 M88A2 HERCULES and 17 M1074 JAB assault bridges, with deliveries scheduled through 2025–26. In July 2025, the order was expanded to include 25 M1150 ABV engineer vehicles, to be completed by 2029.
Poland will have 366 Abrams tanks by 2024, including 250 SEPv3s and 116 used M1A1FEPs. They will also have 12 M88A2 HERCULES tanks, eight M1074 JAB bridges, six M577 command vehicles, 26 HMMWV maintenance vehicles, and two mobile diagnostic centres. The US will also give training, ammunition, and help with logistics.
This expanding collaboration goes beyond armour. Poland has negotiated a $3.8 billion mid-life upgrade to bring its 48 F-16C/D Block 52+ fighters up to the F-16V standard. It has also agreed to buy 32 F-35A aircraft, with the first demonstration already exhibited (AZ-01). Warsaw has also signed a deal for 96 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters valued nearly US$12 billion. This includes maintenance, training, and complete logistical support to replace old Mi-24s.
Author:Özgür Ekşi
