We Got Right Up Close to the M1E3 U.S. Army Tank
When a member of our team visited the 2026 Detroit Auto Show this Saturday, they encountered something a little different from the cars and trucks on display: a prototype of the U.S. Army’s next-generation main battle tank, the M1E3 Abrams.
M1E3 Tank at the Detroit Auto Show. Image Credit: 19FortyFive.
The Detroit Auto Show, held at Huntington Place in Detroit, Michigan, runs from January 14-25 and is widely recognized as one of North America’s most influential automotive exhibitions. It showcases everything from new automotive design and emerging mobility technologies to major defense innovations.
On the show floor, amidst concept cars and electric vehicles, the Army’s M1E3 stood out with its distinctive silhouette and 120-mm main cannon. It drew attention from both general audiences and defense enthusiasts who had heard the tank was to be on display. Knowing this, we had to go see what it was all about, and we’ve included photos from what we just saw, with more to come later tonight.
What the U.S. Army Is Saying About the New Tank
According to Army representatives on site, the M1E3 represents the “next evolution” of the Abrams tank family—a modernization aimed at addressing the need for a new main battle tank. The new platform must not be burdened by the compromises that often result from years of add-ons to a decades-old shell, especially in this era of drone warfare and advanced sensors.
The M1E3 Abrams seen in Detroit is a product of the Army’s effort to completely redesign its main battle tank rather than continue with incremental upgrades to existing Abrams variants. This program aims to integrate operational lessons from decades of Abrams service while also addressing serious limitations related to weight, electrical power generation, and survivability against modern threats.
M1E3 Tank at the Detroit Auto Show. Image Credit: 19FortyFive.
What We Saw – and Why It Matters
At first glance, the M1E3 on display is instantly recognizable: it features a low-slung armored hull, a prominent turret, and a long-barreled main gun. The 120-mm smoothbore cannon remains the central weapon system, similar to those used on earlier Abrams variants, designed to fire various munitions for both anti-armor and support roles.
Despite these familiar features, subtle design cues on the prototype indicate it is tailored for survivability against future combat systems. External sensor housings and new camera arrays around the hull and turret enhance situational awareness. Army personnel claim these visual elements may also relate to semi-autonomous capabilities and advanced networking features.
M1E3 Out in the Open
U.S. Army engineer Ryan Nicol explained how the tank employs a video game controller for operations—a method increasingly common in modern military assets, including drones. Colonel Ryan Howell emphasized that the tank is designed for fewer crew members, thereby reducing risks to personnel while increasing autonomy. “The objective of this tank was to reduce crew size to three, using a remote turret and incorporating the best technology available today,” Howell stated.
M1E3 Tank Engine at the Detroit Auto Show. Image Credit: 19FortyFive.
Why Send a Tank to An Auto Show?
Displaying the M1E3 at Detroit serves a purpose. The auto show attracts not only traditional automotive audiences but also engineers, students, policymakers, and industry leaders.
The Army’s presence in this setting brings defense technology to a public-facing arena, making military innovation more accessible. It sends a message to the defense industrial base that the Army prioritizes collaboration with the commercial sector, particularly with companies pioneering advancements in sensors, software, autonomy, and hybrid propulsion systems. The prototype’s presence also allows media to observe cutting-edge military hardware, reinforcing the narrative that the U.S. military is committed to innovation in a competitive global landscape.
The M1E3 and What Comes Next
The M1 Abrams has served as the backbone of U.S. armed forces since its introduction in the early 1980s. Successive upgrades have culminated in the M1A2 SEPv3 variant—a highly optimized version featuring enhanced sensors, electronics, and protection. However, the SEPv3 variant carries a significant downside: it is much heavier than its predecessors.
In 2023, the Army determined that further upgrades were unfeasible due to the platform’s excessive weight, leading to the cancellation of a planned SEPv4 in favor of the redesigned M1E3 platform.
M1E3 Tank at the Detroit Auto Show. Image Credit: 19FortyFive.
The M1E3 Abrams is being developed as a completely new platform instead of an upgrade, as Army studies indicated future armored vehicles need a lower overall weight and a modular open systems architecture for quicker technology updates. There’s also a need for increased onboard electrical capacity to support modern sensors, communications gear, and active protection systems.
The Army has confirmed the delivery of early prototypes, with testing set to commence in 2026. Initial operational capability is anticipated in the early 2030s, contingent upon testing outcomes and funding.
About the Author:
Jack Buckby is a British researcher and analyst specializing in defense and national security, based in New York. His work focuses on military capability, procurement, and strategic competition, producing and editing analysis for policy and defense audiences. He brings extensive editorial experience, with a career output spanning over 1,000 articles at 19FortyFive and National Security Journal, and has previously authored books and papers on extremism and deradicalization.