US Army News and updates general discussion

[Ananda]

U.S. Army unveils first M1E3 Abrams prototype previewing next-generation tank for 2040 era

The U.S. Army unveiled the M1E3 Abrams prototype in Detroit Auto Show to test unmanned turret design, crew layout, and digital systems for the future M1A3 tank.

www.armyrecognition.com

Eventough this M1E3 demonstrator will not be the production M1A3, but it is working progress development for type of tech that going to be integrated to M1A3. This demonstrator shown the progress for M1 NG going to be using auto loader (something that US Army resist so far), potential hybrid engine, more automation, etc.

 

[Terran]

It’s not that the U.S. army has refused an Automatic loader system. It’s that they just haven’t been in a position to do the major overhaul of the Abrams that would justify it.
The Thumper and CABBT (American Armata) both demonstrated automatic loaders. The XM1202 Mounted Combat system also was intended for one.
So what?
So Thumper and CABBT were very end of the Cold War. Right as BRAC was kicking off. After the 91 Gulf war it looked like the last of the armor on armor wars. With the Western Armor and Air power so dominating it looked one sided. The Question for the Army was What’s next? You have a mindset that the Army’s foreseeable future was peacekeeper.
So the Army tried to justify itself in a model based on the Yugoslav war. Thing is if all you see is old Soviet surplus armor at best more likely just a Hilux with some steel bolted on M1A2 is more than enough.
If anything the push was to try and field light armor. The Stryker and FCS programs.
Though FCS was supposed to feed into a major overhaul of the Abrams. Post 9/11 the Army is getting into operations in Iraq and Afghanistan COIN becomes order of the day.
So the opportunity isn’t there.
They are doing modernizing of the M1A2 with the Sep V program and in theory they could have added an Automatic loader with that but, the weight of the Abrams is climbing. Adding the loader to the A2 Turret isn’t going to offer a huge benefit. Tanks like K2 and LeClerc get a weight savings by reducing the size of the fighting compartment for 2 people as opposed to the 3 in Leopard 2, Abrams and Challenger.
So to justify the loader you need to replace the turret at which point you are basically shopping a new tank. Which is what M1E3 is really going to be.

 

[Terran]

Anyway the Chieftain interview on the M1E3 Demonstrator @ Detroit Autoshow.

 

[John Fedup]

The Bradley replacement might be going off the rails again. Would have thought attempt 7 would be a winner.

Is the Army about to shake up its Bradley replacement, XM30? Sources see major signs. - Breaking Defense

 

[Terran]

First I suspect we may be seeing a bit of an Echo of the Constellation class FFG here. The XM30 vehicles are very much customized to meet the US Army wants list similar to the British Ajax vehicles. GDLS even started with the same point of origin the ASCOD II then made major changes.
Because of this the process is already slowed down especially since the actual M30 vehicles would have changes farther. New engines, suspension, different main gun.
this is complicated even more as since the start of the project in 2015 needs changed. The drone threat rose significantly this made top attack which in 2017 was still the arena primarily of western ATGMs more prevalent.
CRAM was a bigger concern than air defense. One of the biggest priority changes seems to be that the Department of War isn’t as patient as the department of defense was.
Now the question is what if anything could come from this?
I doubt much. They want 10 prototypes between 40-80 tons later this year. Outside of the existing XM30 entry I doubt industry could meet that. Part of the original issue for the OMFV was that Rhinemetall had a hell of a time getting a prototype into the U.S. from Germany.

 

[Terran]

Next the XM7 and XM250 are now officially the M7 and M250. Project Manager Soldier Lethality Announces Type Classification Approval for Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW)

Okay so quick update. Apparently what’s old is new again…
Meet the XM8…
no Not the HK Tactical Tuna.

US Army Designates Carbine Version of M7 NGSW Rifle as XM8 | Soldier Systems Daily

Last month, the US Army designated the XM8 and issued a national stock number: NSN 1005-01-737-3402. Featuring an 10" barrel, the XM8 (bottom carbine) ...

soldiersystems.net

The Army had apparently type classified the 10 inch barreled Sig SPEAR “M7 PIE” Carbine as the XM8.

 

[FormerDirtDart]

Okay so quick update. Apparently what’s old is new again…
Meet the XM8…
no Not the HK Tactical Tuna.

US Army Designates Carbine Version of M7 NGSW Rifle as XM8 | Soldier Systems Daily

Last month, the US Army designated the XM8 and issued a national stock number: NSN 1005-01-737-3402. Featuring an 10" barrel, the XM8 (bottom carbine) ...

soldiersystems.net

The Army had apparently type classified the 10 inch barreled Sig SPEAR “M7 PIE” Carbine as the XM8.

Because firing an 80K psi round out of a 13.5 inch barrel wasn't quite loud enough

 

[Terran]

Because firing an 80K psi round out of a 13.5 inch barrel wasn't quite loud enough

A 5.56x45mm rifle unmoderated is around 155 decibels*. That’s over the 140 db point of immediate hearing damage. 6.8x51 is an unknown here in that I haven’t heard anyone who did sound testing but it’s likely around the 160+ range. Yet that’s unsuppressed. The M7, M250 and XM8 were all designed for use with a can as per Army specifications, that’s part of why Sig created the M7 PIE and XM8. The M7 as it exists today is fairly heavy so the Product Improvement Effort was to try and trim the fat off the M7 based off soldier feedback.
A suppressor often gives about 30 db of sound mitigation but adds length and weight to the host. The 13.5 inch barrel of the M7 was chosen because it allowed the M7 to have very similar handling characteristics to the M4A1 with a suppressor. The XM8 was designed with a 10 inch barrel to reduce the weight and length of the system to even more closely resemble the M4A1 in that with the addition length of the can the carbine would be about the same length as an M4A1. Although still heavier it’s probably a closer match to the HK416 A7/ G95 in weight.

* source How Loud is a Gunshot?

 

[Terran]

Sig interviewed on XM8.

 

[FormerDirtDart]

Already posted in US Defense Thread. But as it's likely this will be primarily US Army troops involved wanted to post here too

Reporting announces that Department of Defense has directed the withdrawal of 5000 US troops from Germany.
Defense News has reported that a Brigade Combat Team will be withdrawn.
To me this suggests 2nd Cav Rgt (SBCT), as the other european based BCT is the 173rd Abn, which while having units based in Germany is headquartered in Italy

Hegseth orders 5,000 US troops to withdraw from Germany - Breaking Defense

“This decision follows a thorough review of the Department’s force posture in Europe and is in recognition of theater requirements and conditions on the ground,” Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell wrote in a brief statement.

breakingdefense.com

 

[FormerDirtDart]

Already posted in US Defense Thread. But as it's likely this will be primarily US Army troops involved wanted to post here too

Reporting announces that Department of Defense has directed the withdrawal of 5000 US troops from Germany.
Defense News has reported that a Brigade Combat Team will be withdrawn.
To me this suggests 2nd Cav Rgt (SBCT), as the other european based BCT is the 173rd Abn, which while having units based in Germany is headquartered in Italy

Hegseth orders 5,000 US troops to withdraw from Germany - Breaking Defense

“This decision follows a thorough review of the Department’s force posture in Europe and is in recognition of theater requirements and conditions on the ground,” Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell wrote in a brief statement.

breakingdefense.com

damn it
Just realized I posted the wron article stating that a BCT would be withdrawn

US withdrawing 5,000 troops from Germany, US officials say

The move comes as a rift over the Iran war widens between President Donald Trump and Europe.

www.defensenews.com

 

[FormerDirtDart]

Already posted in US Defense Thread. But as it's likely this will be primarily US Army troops involved wanted to post here too

Reporting announces that Department of Defense has directed the withdrawal of 5000 US troops from Germany.
Defense News has reported that a Brigade Combat Team will be withdrawn.
To me this suggests 2nd Cav Rgt (SBCT), as the other european based BCT is the 173rd Abn, which while having units based in Germany is headquartered in Italy

Hegseth orders 5,000 US troops to withdraw from Germany - Breaking Defense

“This decision follows a thorough review of the Department’s force posture in Europe and is in recognition of theater requirements and conditions on the ground,” Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell wrote in a brief statement.

breakingdefense.com

Well this news certainly seems to suggest those 5,000 troops being withdrawn from Germany will be from the rotational units, and not units permanently stationed there.

So good chance 2nd Cav Rgt is safe (for now)

US Army abruptly cancels deployment of 4,000 soldiers to Poland

The Army has abruptly halted a planned deployment to Poland, bringing U.S. personnel numbers in Europe to pre-2022 levels — before Russia invaded Ukraine.

www.armytimes.com

 

[FormerDirtDart]

Also posted on United States Defense Thread

OK, bottom line up front:
I don't have clue what is going on, and I'm pretty sure there isn't anyone who really does.


For some additional context, Nawrocki has been President of Poland for nearly a year no, assuming office in Aug. 2025.

So to be clear:
3 Weeks ago the Dept of Defense announced the reduction of 5,000 troops from Germany. Without ever identifying the units involved other than that it would be a "brigade combat team"

1 week ago the Department of the Army announces that it is cancelling the rotational deployment of 2nd ABCT, 1st Cav Div. in addition to the cancelled deployment of a long range fires battalion for assignment with 2nd Multi-Domain Task Force in Germany.
2nd ABCT, 1st Cav Div was to replace 3 ABCT, 1st Cav Div whose 9 month deployment was coming to a close. 2nd ABCTs advance party was already in Europe and it's equipment was enroute.

And today President Trump announces an additional (?) 5,000 troops will be sent to Poland. In response to the President of Poland being elected a year ago(?).
No clarifying announcements have come from the US military.

So, absolutely clear as mud.

In shift, Trump announces deployment of 5,000 US troops to Poland

A week after cancelling a U.S. Army deployment to Poland, Trump announces an additional 5,000 troops will be sent to the country.

www.militarytimes.com

 

[John Fedup]

Apparently there is a problem with AH-64E transmissions which will affect all users. The army was divesting of older D models to save money. The army is also waiting on 2 billion dollars from DHS for missions performed by the army on their behalf.
Army probes Apache transmission problem as service rushes to ditch older helicopters - Defense One

 

[MARKMILES77]

The US has picked a wheeled version of the Hanwha K9 155mm self propelled howitzer as their likely replacement for the towed M777s.
This would be a good option for replacement of Australian M777s as we already operate the tracked version.
Possibly could be made in the Avalon factory.
South Korean Defence exporters are really having great success at the moment.

Army picks Hanwha’s wheeled K9 for self-propelled howitzer prototypes - Breaking Defense

Today’s decision comes after decades of fits and starts to find a new mobile howitzer, including the ill-fated Crusader, Non-Line-of-Sight Cannon and Extended Range Cannon Artillery.

breakingdefense.com

tps://en.sedaily.com/finance/2026/08/19/hanwha-k9-wheeled-howitzer-wins-first-us-army-deal-for

 

[FormerDirtDart]

The US has picked a wheeled version of the Hanwha K9 155mm self propelled howitzer as their likely replacement for the towed M777s.
This would be a good option for replacement of Australian M777s as we already operate the tracked version.
Possibly could be made in the Avalon factory.
South Korean Defence exporters are really having great success at the moment.

Army picks Hanwha’s wheeled K9 for self-propelled howitzer prototypes - Breaking Defense

Today’s decision comes after decades of fits and starts to find a new mobile howitzer, including the ill-fated Crusader, Non-Line-of-Sight Cannon and Extended Range Cannon Artillery.

breakingdefense.com

View attachment 55431

tps://en.sedaily.com/finance/2026/08/19/hanwha-k9-wheeled-howitzer-wins-first-us-army-deal-forView attachment 55432

Six-to-possibly eighteen prototype systems for experimentation efforts does not make Hanwha's K9MH a likely replacement for anything.

 

[John Fedup]

Six-to-possibly eighteen prototype systems for experimentation efforts does not make Hanwha's K9MH a likely replacement for anything.

True but at least it’s a start.

 

[Terran]

Six-to-possibly eighteen prototype systems for experimentation efforts does not make Hanwha's K9MH a likely replacement for anything.

No yet if the MTC program goes full bore then I doubt complete replacement of either the M777 or M109. For the M777 the K9MH as is about 38 tons. Making it way to heavy for airborne units but fine for supporting Medium weight units like Stryker infantry formations.
The M109 however it optimized to keep up with Armored units and that I think works against the truck based platforms. Ukraine conflict has changed the reality of Artillery and the Army is putting more of an emphasis on fast deployment and tear down with rapid fire. That means that the older manual systems are in a question mark.
M777 is likely to be retained as it’s a good training tool and can be used by Air mobile forces yet even then it might be time to look at options like Brutus 155 and Hawkeye 105.

 

[FormerDirtDart]

No yet if the MTC program goes full bore then I doubt complete replacement of either the M777 or M109. For the M777 the K9MH as is about 38 tons. Making it way to heavy for airborne units but fine for supporting Medium weight units like Stryker infantry formations.
The M109 however it optimized to keep up with Armored units and that I think works against the truck based platforms. Ukraine conflict has changed the reality of Artillery and the Army is putting more of an emphasis on fast deployment and tear down with rapid fire. That means that the older manual systems are in a question mark.
M777 is likely to be retained as it’s a good training tool and can be used by Air mobile forces yet even then it might be time to look at options like Brutus 155 and Hawkeye 105.

The Brutus 155 weight in excess of 29,000 lbs is incompatible with US Army airmobile operations. I also don't know if it's stowed height can be made compatible with the US military 118 inch overall height limit for a rigged load for low velocity air drops. AM General lists the system height at 11 ft 6 in (138 in)

 

[Terran]

The Brutus 155 weight in excess of 29,000 lbs is incompatible with US Army airmobile operations. I also don't know if it's stowed height can be made compatible with the US military 118 inch overall height limit for a rigged load for low velocity air drops. AM General lists the system height at 11 ft 6 in (138 in)

True, though it’s in the same size and weight class as HIMARS. So it can be flown in by C130J deployed similarly. This said it’s likely not production ready and may still undergo evolution. Particularly since both it and M777 are still 39 cal 155s.
Hawkeye 105 would be the better choice for helicopter carry and para drop being based of a modified Humvee or similar vehicle.
However the Army hasn’t made a move on either placing a priority on MTC.