MSPO 2025: Polish centre for Abrams takes shape

In September 2025 General Dynamics Land Systems signed eight contracts with Polish firms to produce 52 different components used in M1 Abrams family tanks. This is another step in developing a long-term partnership between GDLS and the Polish defence industry. It is good news both for sustainment of the vehicles and for building domestic industrial capabilities. 

These arrangements are significant because components produced in Poland will also be fitted to further M1A2SEPv3 tanks that will be built for the Polish Armed Forces and delivered by the end of 2026. Over the course of later operations these parts will be used for previously manufactured and delivered vehicles, and will also support other Abrams operators, including the US Army.

Work is also underway to establish local maintenance capabilities for key drivetrain and powerplant components. The plan envisages transmissions being serviced at Wojskowe Zakłady Motoryzacyjne (WZM, Military Automotive Works) in cooperation with Allison, while AGT1500 engines that power Abrams family tanks are to be serviced at Wojskowe Zakłady Lotnicze Nr 1. In addition to GDLS, WZM has also concluded an agreement with BAE Systems concerning overhaul of M88A2 recovery vehicles.

It is worth noting the full timeline for introducing Abrams tanks and associated equipment into the Polish Armed Forces. Before the first vehicles were delivered, the US Army in 2022 loaned 28 of its own M1A2SEPv2 tanks for training and established an Abrams Tank Training Academy (ATTA) at the Land Forces Training Centre in Poznań, where crews train on vehicle operation at Levels 1–3. 

A year later the first contract between PGZ and General Dynamics Land Systems was signed, the first M1A1FEP tanks were delivered, and the first conference for potential GDLS component suppliers was held. In 2024 the first de-processing of M1A1FEP tanks took place and a Regional Competence Centre was opened at WZM. In September 2024 the first three contracts for spare parts to be produced in Poland were signed. 

The year 2025 has seen further acceleration of the process. The first M1A2SEPv3 tanks have been delivered to Poland and GDLS signed a framework agreement with WZM, enabling continued work and expanding cooperation. At the same time BAE Systems concluded a licence agreement with WZM. Moreover, in June 2025 WZM staff training began; by the end of 2025 WZM will be certified to perform Level-1 servicing and Level-2 training will commence. Certification to Level-2 and the training and certification to Level-3 are scheduled to be completed by mid-2026.   

Completion of deliveries of 250 M1A2SEPv3 tanks is planned for Q4 2026. In addition, the Polish Armed Forces operate 116 M1A1FEP tanks that can be upgraded and rebuilt to the M1A2SEPv3 standard in Poland, as well as 38 M88A2 recovery vehicles and 25 M1110 Armoured Vehicle Launched Bridges. Delivery of 25 M1150 engineering tanks is planned by 2029.

Cooperation between the US and Polish industrial bases will progressively expand. That will develop national competencies, secure sustainment of the tanks and open the door to future modernizations involving Polish industry.