von The U.S. Army unloaded the newest models of the M1A2 Abrams in Busan port on Jan. 9.
The U.S. Army unloaded some 60 of the newest models of the M1A2 Abrams tanks in Busan on Jan. 9, in an effort to beef up military readiness to support defense on the Korean Peninsula.
“As the Army Prepositioned Stock, the new models of tanks will be transferred to Camp Carroll [in North Gyeongsang] soon,” said an U.S. officer under the 19th Support Command of the Eighth U.S. Army in Korea who asked not to be named. “Some of the tanks will be used during an annual joint military drill Key Resolve between Korea and U.S. as an augmented military power.”
The United States Forces Korea (USFK) said that the newest models of M1A2 Abrams tanks as well as M2A2 Bradley fighting vehicles are planned to be deployed to the U.S. 2nd Infantry Division by the end of this May.
The USFK added that the latest models are expected to improve system of operating current military vehicles in the 2nd division. It also explained that newly equipped track and firepower control system are suitable for future warfares.
“The deployment of the newest models of combat vehicles does not merely means the increase of the number of combat vehicles, but the enhancement of combat capability,” said Lt. Gen. John Johnson, commander of the Eighth U.S. Army. “U.S. troops in Korea will be taking advantage of the newest high-tech tanks and fighting vehicles in the world.”
The latest model of the Abrams series, the upgraded 68.7‑ton M1A2, boasts a length of 9.83 meters (32.2 feet), a width of 3.66 meters and a height of 2.44 meters. It can run up to 66.8 kilometers (41.5 miles) per hour. Up to four crew members can aboard the tank.
Source:
Ministry of National Defense, Republic of Korea