The M1A2C Abrams, the latest version of the US Army's Main Battle Tank, builds on the legacy of the tank's performance, far outstripping Iran's Russian-made T-72 tanks.

The M1A2C, also known as the M1A2 SEPv3, has been in service with the US Army since 2017. It is designed to provide highly mobile ground-based firepower while shielding its four person crew through layers of advanced armor.

The model features several upgrades, including a new armor package to provide enhanced protection against improvised explosive devices (IEDs), like roadside bombs, as well as other advances to improve lethality, maintainability, communications, reliability and fuel efficiency.

Its primary firearm is the M256 120mm smoothbore cannon, which can fire M829A4 advanced kinetic energy and advanced multi-purpose (AMP) cartridges to defend against armored vehicles and even low-flying aircraft.

It is also equipped with the Ammunition Datalink, which enables the fire control system to electronically communicate with new 120mm caliber ammunition and AMP rounds.

Improved Forward Looking Infrared technology enhances accuracy, allowing tank crew to see through challenging conditions including sand, snow, darkness, smoke, rain and fog.

The M1A2C comes with a Low Profile Common Remotely Operated Weapon System, a stabilized tank mount that contains a sensor suite and the latest fire control software. It includes a video camera, thermal camera and laser range finder to enable locating and tracking targets in all conditions.

Tradition of excellence

The M1A2C builds on the M1 Abrams' tradition of excellence that prizes high levels of survivability, maneuverability and accurate yet mobile firepower that far exceed those of rival platforms.

For example, Iran's Russia-built T-72 tanks pale in comparison to the Abrams family of battle tanks.

The 45 ton T-72 is far lighter than the M1A2C Abrams, which exceeds 80 tons. Most M1 Abrams tanks weigh somewhere between 68 and 74 tons.

When fighting head to head during Operation Desert Storm, the T-72 was far less accurate than Abrams tanks because of its less advanced fire control system and optics.

The T-72 was less capable of engaging moving or far ranging targets both day and night, and its lighter armor could not withstand the advanced rounds fired by the M1.

Recent comparisons of M1A2 and T-72 tanks on the battlefield in Ukraine have spotlighted the supremacy of American equipment.

"Purely as a weapon, the M1A2 is superior to the various T-72 models that Russia is using in Ukraine," military and defense analyst Michael Peck told Newsweek in February 2023.

"Not just in armament and armor protection, but also in sensors needed to detect the enemy and fire that crucial first shot," he said.