On Oct. 8, General Dynamics Land Systems unveiled the technology demonstrator of what is to be their next-generation main battle tank, the AbramsX.

   Unveiled at the Association of the U.S. Army Annual Symposium, the demonstrator vehicle reflects the effort made by the defence contractor to implement new technologies into a dependable platform, according to The National Interest.

    Undersecretary of the Army, Gabe Camarillo stressed that experimentation and analysis is required in order to carve a path forward for the Army. He added that the direction of the Army must prioritize innovation and continued modernization.

   “It’s too early to say what the future of the Army’s battle tank is going to be. But what I can tell you is that, you know, we are looking down the road, what are the investments that we need to make, what is currently the art of the possible,” Camarillo explained.  “I think, as [Army Futures Command] continues to do experimentation through the [Next Generation Combat Vehicles Cross Functional Team], we will begin to extract some lessons learned.”

   While the majority of the features of the new armoured vehicle are kept under wraps for reasons of security, it evidently shows the effort made by defence corporations to heed the requirements of the Army for future armed conflicts. 

   From what is available to the public, the AbramsX features a suite of new technologies, such as AI-enabled data, on-board power management, and an Active Protection System (APS) intended to destroy drones and other top-down-launched anti-tank weapons (such as guided missiles). It was designed with flexibility in mind and is capable of integrating whatever additional technologies the Army requires.

   “It does have an integrated APS system, we are not presupposing the Army’s decision,” Keith Barclay, Director of U.S Strategy and Growth at GD Land Systems stated. “We’re making sure we have all the hooks and the power, that whatever charges or explosive charges they choose, or effectors they choose or whatever radars they choose, it will be an application of them on there, not a whole redesign to enable it.”

   The AbramsX is planned to continue its faithful service to the U.S. Army for decades to come, with estimations for its retirement placed in the 2050s.