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Towards Operational Autonomy for Polish Abrams Tanks with the GDLS and WZM Partnership.
On May 15, 2025, General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) and the Polish company Wojskowe Zakłady Motoryzacyjne (WZM), based in Poznań, formalized a strategic partnership agreement aimed at strengthening the operational support of M1 Abrams tanks acquired by the Polish Land Forces. This industrial cooperation represents a significant milestone in Warsaw’s effort to localize the maintenance and logistical support capabilities for U.S.-origin heavy weapon systems, against the backdrop of large-scale rearmament along NATO’s eastern flank.

The 250 M1A2 SEP v3 tanks, being delivered since January 2025, represent the most recent evolution of the Abrams program (Picture source: Polish MoD)
The partnership is intended to establish a national industrial capability dedicated to the technical and logistical support of Abrams tanks, providing Poland with a strategic lever to ensure the long-term availability of its armored forces. It aligns with a broader effort to enhance operational sovereignty in response to growing demands for preparedness and responsiveness amid persistent regional tensions, particularly regarding Russia. Beginning in June 2025, an initial phase of training will be launched for WZM personnel under GDLS supervision. This transfer of expertise will allow Poland to reduce its reliance on U.S.-based maintenance infrastructure while accelerating domestic support cycles.
The agreement comes as Warsaw continues to rapidly modernize its land forces. Poland has ordered a total of 366 Abrams tanks from the United States, including 250 new units of the most advanced model, the M1A2 SEP v3, acquired in April 2022, and 116 M1A1 FEP tanks purchased second-hand in January 2023. The M1A2 SEP v3 is designed for high-intensity combat environments and features reinforced protection, an integrated digital battle management system, and advanced thermal imaging sensors. The M1A1 FEP tanks, while older, have undergone structural and electronic upgrades, making them compatible with NATO operational standards. According to the Military Balance 2025, all 116 M1A1 FEP tanks are already operational within Polish armored units.
The M1A1 FEP, delivered from 2023 onwards, is based on a platform originally developed in the 1980s but significantly modernized. It is armed with a 120mm M256 smoothbore gun capable of firing depleted uranium M829 kinetic energy rounds, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, a 12.7mm machine gun mounted on the turret, and a smoke grenade launcher system. Its protection relies on Chobham composite armor, combined with depleted uranium plating, offering resistance against ballistic and chemical threats. Powered by a Honeywell AGT 1500 gas turbine engine, the tank can reach a top speed of 68 km/h with an operational range of 426 kilometers on roads.
The 250 M1A2 SEP v3 tanks, being delivered since January 2025, represent the most recent evolution of the Abrams program. This version introduces major improvements in survivability, firepower, digital connectivity, and predictive maintenance. The armor has been upgraded to counter a wide range of threats, including improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and tandem-charge munitions. Onboard electronics include a third-generation IFLIR thermal sighting system, a CROWS remotely operated weapon station with a high-definition camera, and the ability to fire next-generation munitions such as the M829A4 depleted uranium round and the multi-purpose AMP round, capable of defeating bunkers or infantry behind cover through an airburst mode. The integration of the Ammunition DataLink system also enables direct communication between smart munitions and the tank's fire control system.
This dual-level configuration allows the Polish Army to combine short-term responsiveness with long-term capability development. The M1A1 enables rapid reinforcement of armored capacity, while the M1A2 SEP v3 aligns with a future-oriented approach to mechanized warfare. The modernization effort includes the integration of these tanks into the 18th Mechanized Division, Poland’s key deterrence formation, as well as within units of the 16th Division operating in the country’s northeast. The armored force will also be reinforced by the acquisition of South Korean K2 tanks and the projected deployment of a future Polish main battle tank under the Next Generation Combat Vehicle (NGCV) program, expected by 2030.
The phased introduction of Abrams tanks is reshaping the Polish Army’s operational structure. The 18th Mechanized Corps already includes an armored brigade structured around two tank battalions, a model expected to be expanded nationwide. The integration of U.S.-made main battle tanks strengthens Poland’s heavy combat component while facilitating interoperability with U.S. forces deployed in Europe. This capability-building process is accompanied by investments in logistical infrastructure, exemplified by the GDLS partnership.
This agreement addresses a critical support gap observed since the initial tank deliveries. For two to three years, Abrams tanks were fielded without domestic heavy maintenance capacity, exposing units to prolonged unavailability risks. By assigning WZM the role of national support integrator, Poland is securing the logistical chain needed to ensure the resilience of its armored fleet. Over time, this framework is also expected to support a broader transfer of expertise, laying the foundation for increased industrial autonomy.
In parallel, WZM signed a licensing agreement with BAE Systems in April to maintain M88A2 Hercules armored recovery vehicles, which are essential to the logistical maneuvering of armored units. Thirty-eight vehicles have been ordered by Poland to accompany both Abrams batches. The agreement also includes the creation of a regional technical competence center to support both Polish and U.S. forces stationed in Europe. This joint infrastructure fits into NATO’s forward deterrence framework, particularly in connection with the enhanced presence of American troops along the Alliance’s eastern flank.
The GDLS-WZM partnership reflects a clear strategy to consolidate both operational and industrial sovereignty for Poland. It secures long-term support for Abrams tanks while creating structural effects within the national defense industry. The decision to acquire a mixed fleet of M1A1 and M1A2 SEP v3 tanks enables Poland to meet immediate military reassurance needs while preparing for the integration of connected warfare systems. This industrial cooperation model may eventually serve as a blueprint for other Central European countries undergoing rapid land forces’ modernization.