Latest Abrams Tanks Arrive in Poznań

Crews from the 1st Armoured Brigade, under the 18th Mechanized Division, along with instructors from the Land Forces Training Center and cadets from the Land Forces Academy, are participating in two specialized programs: OPNET (Operator New Equipment Training) for tank crews, and FMNET (Field Maintenance New Equipment Training) for technicians responsible for tank maintenance For the first time, the training is using the M1A2SEPv3 variant, which is currently the most advanced tank in the Polish Armed Forces.

Previously, the Abrams Tank Training Academy used 28 M1A2SEPv2 tanks borrowed from the U.S. Army for training purposes. These tanks have since been returned to the U.S., and from now on, training will take place exclusively on tanks owned by the Polish Armed Forces. Currently, Poland has 116 M1A1FEP tanks 28 M1A2SEPv3 tanks. The M1A2SEPv3s will likely be assigned to the 2nd Tank Battalion of the 1st Armored Brigade after the current training cycle, initiating its transition from Leopard 2A5 tanks to the Abrams platform. The Leopard 2A5s will, in turn, be transferred to the 34th Armored Cavalry Brigade.

The Land Forces Training Center will not have its own M1A2SEPv3 tanks for training and reserve purposes for some time. These tanks are expected to arrive by late 2026, as priority is given to equipping all tank battalions in the 18th Mechanized Division. The Abrams Tank Training Academy will operate until late 2026 or early 2027, after which full responsibility for training both tank crews and maintenance personnel will be transferred to the Land Forces Training Centre. Similarly, tank maintenance is currently handled by American personnel until the completion of the Regional Competency Center at Military Automotive Works (Wojskowe Zakłady Motoryzacyjne) in Poznań.

Poland has purchased 366 Abrams tanks along with logistical and training packages under two separate contracts. The first agreement, which has been completed, involved the purchase of 116 used M1A1FEP tanks along with 12 M88A2 armored recovery vehicles, 8 M1110 assault bridges, other support equipment, as well as a logistical package, training, and ammunition. Originally, the contract was valued at a maximum of $3.75 billion, but Poland ultimately paid $1.4 billion, of which $200 million was covered by the U.S. government under the Foreign Military Funding (FMF) program.

The second agreement, which is currently being implemented, was initially valued at a maximum of $6 billion, but in the end, we paid $4.75 billion. This agreement covers the purchase of 250 new M1A2SEPv3 tanks, 26 M88A2 armored recovery vehicles, 17 M1110 assault bridges, other support vehicles, as well as a logistical package, training, and ammunition. The total acquisition of 366 tanks, within the framework of the current structure, will allow for the formation of six Abrams tank battalions, each equipped with 58 vehicles, totaling 348 operational tanks and 18 in reserve or for training purposes.