AbramsX is not just a tank, but a robot with armor: how the United States is changing the face of tank troops

Fewer People, more AI — what's changed under the armor

The AbramsX tank is not another upgrade of the old Abrams. This is an attempt to rewrite the rules of the game. Instead of just installing new guns and armor, the Americans revised the concept itself. Now there are not three, but two people in the crew. Artificial intelligence takes over some of their functions: it monitors the situation, filters threats, helps target designation, and can even participate in fire control.

This is no longer just a car with a driver and a gunner — it's a combat module with a man inside.

Stealth that the radar does not see

One of the main advantages of AbramsX is its stealth technology. Yes, exactly like the F-35 fighter jets. The new tank was redesigned to reduce the radar and heat footprint. The shape of the hull, engine shielding, and special coatings all make it harder for the enemy to spot.

On a battlefield where every meter gives you an advantage, being invisible means surviving longer and hitting more accurately.

Cheaper to build and longer to serve

Old tanks are expensive. They are difficult to repair, maintenance swallows money, and spare parts are in short supply. AbramsX is made in a different way. Designers have moved away from monolithic solutions to modular architecture. The blocks can be changed, updated, and equipped with new weapons without redesigning the entire machine.

Plus— a new engine with a hybrid installation. It is quieter, more economical and provides more energy for electronics. All this reduces the cost of ownership and increases the service life.

Why is AbramsX not an upgrade, but a leap forward?

Previously, tanks developed linearly: the cannon was more powerful, the armor was thicker. AbramsX breaks this pattern. He's not just stronger—he's smarter, stealthier, and more adaptable. It can be used as a scout, as a strike platform, as a mobile command post.

The US Army does not want to repeat the mistake of having a fleet of outdated vehicles when the war has already changed. AbramsX is an attempt to get ahead of tomorrow's fight. And if it works, then the next decades of tank forces will be different.

Sources

1. Armored Warfare — AbramsX hybrid power-pack & combat potential
2. MensNow.ru — Weapons & tech overview of AbramsX
3. iXBT.com — Unmanned turret concept & AI integration details
4. Integral-Russia.ru — Special-variant AbramsX with advanced protection systems
5. BMPD — Demo models & future prospects round-up

Europe is launching an ambitious project to create a modular tank of the 5th generation

A large-scale FMBTech defense project has been launched in Europe, aimed at developing technologies to modernize existing tanks and create the basis for fifth-generation tanks. The project, coordinated by the French company Thales, received a budget of €19 million and is designed for three years of implementation. It involves 26 organizations from 13 countries of the European Union and Norway, making it one of the largest international military technology initiatives.

Project goal: tanks of the future

The main goal of FMBTech is to develop innovative solutions for the creation of next—generation tanks that will be equipped with artificial intelligence (AI), improved communication systems and the ability to interact with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). These technologies will significantly increase the combat capability of armored vehicles, ensuring their adaptability to modern warfare conditions.

The project also aims to modernize existing tanks, which will prolong their operation and increase efficiency in the face of growing threats. FMBTech participants plan to focus on developing modular solutions that can be easily adapted to various tasks and conditions of use.

Participants and their role

Among the key participants in the project are leading companies of the European military—industrial complex, such as KNDS (a consortium of KMW and Nexter), Safran and Hensoldt. Each of these organizations brings its own unique experience and technology, which makes the project even more promising. For example, KNDS is known for its developments in the field of armored vehicles, including the legendary Leopard and Leclerc tanks, while Hensoldt specializes in surveillance and fire control systems.

The main technologies of future tanks

One of the key areas of the project is the introduction of artificial intelligence, which will be able to process large amounts of data in real time, helping the crew to make quick and accurate decisions. In addition, the new tanks will be equipped with improved communication systems that allow them to coordinate actions with other units of equipment and drones.

Interaction with UAVs will become an important feature of fifth-generation tanks. Drones will be able to perform the functions of reconnaissance, targeting, and even protecting tanks from enemy attacks. This will make armored vehicles more versatile and capable of operating in difficult combat conditions.

Strategic importance for Europe

The launch of the FMBTech project demonstrates Europe's desire to strengthen its defense independence and reduce dependence on imported military equipment. The creation of their own advanced technologies for tanks will allow EU countries not only to modernize their armies, but also to strengthen their positions in the global arms market.

The success of FMBTech can be an important step in the development of Europe's collective defense. New technologies can also be used in cooperation with NATO, strengthening the defense capability of the entire alliance.