The US Army is facing a dilemma as it tries to design a next-generation tank that can effectively fight in both Europe and the Pacific. While the current M1 Abrams tank has been successful in the European theater, it is not well-suited for the jungles and remote islands of the Pacific. Additionally, the aging design of the Abrams tank puts it at risk against new weapons being developed by rivals such as Russia and China. The Army Science Board has warned that the M1 Abrams will not be able to dominate the battlefield in 2040, as its advantages in mobility, firepower, and protection are at risk.
Tanks have historically been Western-centric and designed for European warfare, but the US Army recognizes the value of tanks in the Pacific theater as well. Gen. Charles Flynn, commander of US Army Pacific, has emphasized the importance of tanks in conducting operations in restricted terrain. However, any tank designed for global operations will need to be easily transportable and supplied by sea and air, which is a challenge for the current heavy M1 Abrams.
The Army Science Board has assessed various alternatives for a next-generation tank, but none have met all the requirements for both the Pacific and Europe. The Army has been searching for a next-generation tank for the past two decades, but the development process lacks the analytical capabilities that were present during the design of the M1 Abrams. The Army will need to consider factors such as mobility, protection, and the ability to counter advanced threats when designing a new tank.
