United States has stationed M1A2 SEP v3 tanks in Saudi Arabia for live-fire training exercises

The U.S. military has recently unveiled footage of its latest live-fire combat exercises at the squad and platoon levels, which were part of the “Friendship 25” operations within the jurisdiction of U.S. Central Command.

These exercises aimed to bolster cooperation between American forces and the Royal Saudi Land Forces, showcasing the upgraded M1A2 SEP v3 Abrams tanks operated by the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment. The Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS) released the footage, which captured advanced combat tactics at a confidential location on February 12, 2025.

The main goal of these drills was to enhance the operational capabilities of both U.S. and Saudi forces, thereby improving their readiness to tackle regional security issues and respond to emerging threats in a volatile environment.

The visuals prominently feature the M1A2 SEP v3, the latest version of the Abrams main battle tank, which has been a fundamental element of U.S. armored warfare since its debut in the 1980s. This new iteration includes numerous technological enhancements over earlier models, emphasizing survivability, firepower, and integration on the battlefield.

Engineers have outfitted the tank with an upgraded armor package designed to withstand modern anti-tank weaponry, a vital aspect considering the changing landscape of threats in current conflicts.

Moreover, the tank is equipped with an advanced fire control system and an ammunition data link, allowing it to utilize sophisticated munitions, such as programmable airburst rounds, with enhanced accuracy. These improvements are intended to ensure the Abrams remains competitive against increasingly advanced adversaries.

In addition to its enhancements in combat capabilities, the M1A2 SEP v3 features substantial upgrades to its power and electronic systems. A key improvement is the inclusion of an auxiliary power unit (APU), which enables the tank to perform critical functions without the need to engage its main engine. This innovation leads to reduced fuel consumption and lowers the vehicle’s thermal signature, making it less detectable under certain conditions.

The tank’s digital framework has also been significantly upgraded, laying the groundwork for future enhancements and improved connectivity with other military assets. These advancements are part of a larger initiative by the U.S. Army to modernize its armored fleet while ensuring interoperability with allied forces, including those from Saudi Arabia.

The “Friendship 25” exercises highlight the enduring military alliance between the United States and Saudi Arabia, two nations committed to fostering stability in the Middle East. This partnership has evolved over decades, with joint training exercises like this one designed to synchronize tactics, enhance coordination, and ensure both forces can effectively respond in times of crisis.

As stated by the U.S. Army, these drills are part of a continuous effort to strengthen the readiness of both militaries in light of escalating tensions in the region, including the conflicts in Yemen and concerns regarding Iran’s influence. The involvement of the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, a unit experienced in high-pressure deployments, underscores the seriousness of this initiative.

Military analysts have observed that the deployment of the M1A2 SEP v3 in these drills highlights the technological superiority the U.S. aims to uphold in its armored forces. The enhancements made to the tank reflect insights gained from recent conflicts, where urban combat and asymmetric threats, such as drones and improvised explosive devices, have posed challenges to conventional tank designs.

“The SEP v3 is a reaction to the evolving battlefield,” stated John Pike, director of GlobalSecurity.org, a defense analysis organization. “It’s no longer solely about sheer power; it’s about flexibility and maintaining a competitive edge.” Pike emphasized the tank’s upgraded optics, which improve target acquisition in low-visibility situations, as a significant benefit in desert settings typical of the Central Command area.

Saudi Arabia also contributes its own expertise to these exercises. The kingdom has utilized earlier iterations of the Abrams tank, including the M1A2S variant, in its military operations, particularly in the ongoing conflict in Yemen.

In that campaign, Saudi forces have encountered various threats, from Houthi rebels using anti-tank missiles to challenging terrain that tests the resilience of their equipment. The collaborative exercises with the U.S. provide a valuable opportunity to enhance tactics and incorporate lessons learned from these real-world experiences.

A representative from the Royal Saudi Land Forces characterized the recent drills as “a crucial step in ensuring our forces can work effectively alongside our American allies,” although specific information regarding Saudi involvement in the exercises was not revealed.

The development of the M1A2 SEP v3 showcases years of commitment from the U.S. Army and its main contractor, General Dynamics Land Systems, which has managed the Abrams program since its beginning. The SEP v3 variant, which was first delivered to the Army in 2017, builds upon earlier enhancement packages that added features such as thermal imaging and integrated communication systems.

In contrast to previous models that focused primarily on firepower and armor thickness, this version strikes a balance between these characteristics, efficiency, and stealth. For example, the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) enables crews to maintain situational awareness without the noise and heat generated by the main engine, a capability that could be crucial in extended combat scenarios.

Data from the Army underscores the extent of the modernization initiative. As of last year, over 500 Abrams tanks had been upgraded to the SEP v3 standard, with intentions to equip more units in the upcoming years. Each tank weighs around 73 tons and is operated by a crew of four: a commander, gunner, loader, and driver.

The tank’s primary weapon, a 120mm smoothbore cannon, is capable of firing various rounds designed for different targets, ranging from armored vehicles to fortified structures. The addition of an ammunition data link enhances this capability, allowing the gunner to adjust the round’s programming mid-flight for optimal impact—a feature absent in earlier models.

These exercises occur at a time when the U.S. is reevaluating its armored strategy in response to global developments. The conflict in Ukraine, where tanks have suffered significant losses due to drones and precision-guided munitions, has ignited discussions about the future of heavy armor. Some analysts contend that platforms like the Abrams need to adapt to maintain their relevance, a perspective that seems to influence the design of the SEP v3.

Some experts, however, believe that tanks will continue to play a vital role, especially in open environments such as the deserts of the Middle East. Michael O’Hanlon, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, stated, “Tanks still have a place, but they need to be smarter, not just tougher.” The “Friendship 25” exercises serve as a practical testing ground for this concept, allowing the SEP v3 to be evaluated in a simulated combat scenario.

For the soldiers of the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, these maneuvers offered valuable hands-on experience with the tank’s advanced features. Crews engaged in coordinated movements, targeting various distances while managing the complexities of joint operations.

Footage from DVIDS captures tanks firing in succession, their muzzle flashes illuminating the desolate landscape, showcasing the accuracy provided by the enhanced sights and fire control systems. Although the specific location is not disclosed, the environment appears to align with the dry conditions typical of the Central Command’s area of operations, which includes parts of the Middle East, Central Asia, and North Africa.

The collaboration with Saudi Arabia encompasses not only training but also equipment. The kingdom operates a fleet of Abrams tanks, including the M1A2S, a variant tailored to its requirements. In 2016, the U.S. authorized a $1.15 billion sale of 153 M1A2S tanks to Saudi Arabia, along with support vehicles, as part of a deal managed by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency.

This agreement included provisions for replacements in the event of battle damage, indicating that the Saudis were prepared for potential losses in combat—a reality confirmed by their experiences in Yemen. The “Friendship 25” exercises could lead to enhanced collaboration, potentially impacting future upgrades for both countries’ tank fleets.

As the drills came to a close, focus shifted to the wider implications for regional security. The Middle East continues to be a hotspot, with persistent conflicts and rivalries influencing military strategies.

Both the U.S. and Saudi Arabia are concerned about Iran’s missile capabilities and its backing of proxy groups, which likely shaped their emphasis on advanced armor and collaborative readiness. The successful execution of these exercises underscores their dedication to maintaining a strong deterrent stance, even as the dynamics of warfare evolve.

The footage released by DVIDS not only documents the event but also publicly reaffirms the U.S.-Saudi partnership. It emphasizes the M1A2 SEP v3’s significance as a link between the Abrams tank’s distinguished history and its future role in combat. With its combination of state-of-the-art technology and established design, the tank stands as a testament to American military innovation, now shared with a crucial ally in a strategically important area.

Moving forward, the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment and their Saudi partners will likely focus on evaluating the outcomes of these exercises, refining their strategies, and gearing up for future challenges.