Abrams X: The U.S. Military’s Jaw-Dropping Tank of the Futur

Abrams X Unveiled in the U.S.
The U.S. Army’s Next-Gen Main Battle Tank
Still in the Prototype Stage

Excluding itself as the world’s top military power, the U.S. spends more on defense than the combined defense budgets of the countries ranked from 2nd to 10th. However, after the massive expenses of the 9/11 terror attacks and the subsequent war in Afghanistan, the U.S. halted new weapons development and has been maintaining its existing weapons through upgrades. Many of the weapons currently used by the U.S. were developed in the 1980s as a result.

The U.S.’s main battle tank, the M1 Abrams, has been in operation since its production began in 1980. Although it has undergone several upgrades since then, none of them have been as significant as the changes seen in the recently unveiled prototype tank. Meet today’s star, the Abrams X.

All Movements Automated
Operable by Just Three People

Compared to the existing Abrams, the most distinguishing feature of the Abrams X is that it automates all attacks. Thanks to the automatic turret and the machine gun mounted on top, which is also automatic (RCWS), the tank requires minimal personnel to operate it.

While detailed information about the Abrams X tank has not yet been released, it is expected that a minimum of three crew members, along with one drone operator or commander, will be on board, considering that Germany’s Rheinmetall KF51 Lynx inspired the tank.

Tank in Active Service for 40 Years
Is It Time for Change?

A full 42 years have passed since the first-generation M1 Abrams was manufactured in 1980, and the most recent prototype, the Abrams X, was produced. Despite the Abrams tank’s enduring strength, the difference between it and other tanks is no longer so overwhelmingly absolute as it once was.

Therefore, it remains to be seen whether this prototype tank will mark the beginning of the U.S.’s new next-generation power projection or if it will simply end as an experimental attempt.