The Polish Army already has over 160 Abrams tanks. This figure will increase more than twice next year. The cooperation of Military Motorization Plants and General Dynamics Land Systems, maker of Abrams, will contribute to the efficient and effective maintenance of specified a fleet. present an agreement was reached on this matter.
– The agreement between the WZM and GDLS is simply a key step in the improvement of the Polish defence industry, which will be able to support growing Abrams tank fleet in Poland. This partnership brings together the best elements of Polish and American production of caterpillar combat vehicles and support the full life cycle of these vehicles," said Christopher Brown, Vice president of Global strategy and global Business improvement at General Dynamics Land Systems.
WZM S.A. (establishments are part of the Polish Armed Forces Group) will be liable for comprehensive maintenance, servicing, repair and repair of M1 Abrams tanks belonging to the Polish Armed Forces. The U.S. company GDLS, as a strategical partner and subcontractor, is provided with support in building and implementing capabilities that will let the WZM to execute its tasks. The training programme for employees of the Polish company will be carried out for the beginning. GDLS specialists will train them in handling and repair Abrams tanks from level 1 to 3 for M1A1 FEP version and then for the latest serially produced version SEPv3 (System Enhancement Package – strategy Improvement Package). Training will begin in June 2025.
GDLS undertakes a key partnership with the WZM besides to work together to make and make opportunities Regional Support Centre. The aim of Polish-American cooperation is not only to keep the Abrams fleet in Poland, but besides to supply support for another users of these tanks in our region. Currently, US Army soldiers and Polish armies usage Abrams in Europe. In 2023, specified tanks were donated to Ukraine as part of American aid to Kiev. In the coming years, 54 M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams tanks are to be equipped with the Romanian Army.
Let us remind that in February 2024 the activity of the Regional Competency Centre for the operation of Abrams tanks was inaugurated in Poznań. This was possible thanks to the agreement concluded respective months earlier (the alleged Teaming Agreement) between the PGZ and the GDLS, which stemmed straight from the decision of the national defence minister to acquisition Abrams tanks. It is to the Poznań Centre that all M1 tanks ordered by Poland scope us by sea. Specialists check the key components of vehicles for possible damage caused by adverse marine climatic conditions.
The Polish government ordered a full of 366 Abrams tanks to be delivered until autumn 2026. In June 2024, the process of equipping the army with an older version of these tanks ended. Soldiers have already received all 116 M1A1 machines contracted in January 2023. The contract besides included method safety wagons, command wagons, workshop on the HMMWV chassis, etc. There are 47 of 250 M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams in Poland. The order from 2022 (worth $4.75 billion net) predicts that in addition to tanks in the latest configuration the military will receive Technical safety wagons M88A2 Hercules, accompanying bridges M1074 Joint Assault Bridge, training packages, logistics and ammunition stock.
