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The U.S. Army has unveiled a new prototype of its next-generation Abrams main battle tank at the Detroit Auto Show 2026, similar to gaming platforms. It is a major upgrade designed to meet evolving battlefield requirements and appeal to a younger, tech-savvy generation of soldiers, the Army claimed.
The new tank, designated the M1E3 Abrams, features advanced digital systems, enhanced counter-drone capabilities, and improved mobility for better off-road performance. Army officials said the upgrades reflect the need to modernise a platform that has been in service in various forms since the 1970s.
One of the most significant changes is the inclusion of a hybrid-electric engine and AI-assisted targeting and threat-detection systems. The Army said these features are intended to improve situational awareness while reducing the physical and cognitive burden on the crew.
Col. Ryan Howell, who has been involved in developing the prototype, said the redesigned controls resemble those in modern video games, which could shorten training time for new recruits.
“A 13-year-old could probably learn how to drive this thing faster than I could, truthfully,” Howell said.
Dr Alexander Miller, the U.S. Army’s Chief Technology Officer, told Reuters that the M1E3 integrates robotics and drone systems that can be operated from within the tank, reducing the need for soldiers to expose themselves to danger.
“This tank is connected so the crew inside of it can leverage robotics and deploy drones from the safety of the vehicle, rather than being the first ones directly in the fight,” Miller said.
The Army said the prototype will now undergo a series of safety and performance tests before any final decisions on production are made.
The M1E3 includes components supplied by Caterpillar and was built by Michigan-based Roush Industries. General Dynamics Land Systems holds the engineering contract for the program.
Team BharatShakti
