Why Build More Tanks? A four-year break in production will cost between $1.1 Billion and $1.6 Billion
The Abrams tank will remain a vital component of the U.S. Army’s vehicle fleet through 2050.
Current budget requests indicate an end to the production of Abrams in 2013, with a restart not planned until 2016-2017.
You can’t call time out on the battlefield. A shutdown of tank production will:
- Result in significant additional cost and time to restart when the same investment could deliver new tanks to Soldiers.
- Threaten the viability of the nation's talent pool affecting more than 500 businesses, with nearly 64 percent of them being small businesses.
- Impact billions of dollars that local communities depend upon.
- Jeopardize tens of thousands of jobs that support the Army’s future tank program.
Support for the Abrams tank upgrade program and continuous production through 2017 will:
- Ensure the equipment supporting the U.S. Army remains the best in the world and paves the way for urban suitability, modern communications and integration with other ground forces.
- Develop our nation’s core manufacturing, small businesses, and foster strong communities.
- Grow U.S. defense engineering and manufacturing talent through advancement of tank technology and systems integration.
- Best position the industrial base to transition to planned modifications that began in 2017.
- Sustain a nationwide industrial base that is critical to national security.
It takes an Army full of heroes to make the Abrams tank the strongest combat vehicle in the world, providing Warfighters with the heavy metal to maneuver on the battlefield.
The Abrams tank:
- Brings 75 tons of steel and 120mm of firepower roaring to the front at 42 mph.
- Provides a tested platform able to evolve and accommodate new technologies that maintain capability and relevance into the future.
