Australian Army repaints frontline M1A2 Abrams to mimic Chinese Type 99 tank for OPFOR training

Published Jul 28, 02:32 PM UTC

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The Australian Army has modified a front-line M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams tank to visually resemble a Chinese Type 99 main battle tank. Soldiers from B Squadron, 3rd/4th Cavalry Regiment applied PLA digital camouflage and added dummy fuel tanks to mimic the Type 99's silhouette. The tank serves as the opposing force (OPFOR) for the Royal Australian Armored Corps Officer Basic Course at Puckapunyal, Victoria. This contrasts with US practice at Fort Irwin, where obsolete hulls are used for visual modifications. The article also notes Australia's LAND 907 Phase 2 program to acquire 75 new M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams and the sale of older M1A1 tanks to Ukraine despite US concerns.

Source

19FortyFiveWestern

Original headline: Australia Painted One of Its Newest M1 Abrams Tanks to Look Like a Chinese Type 99. The Americans Only Do This With Old Hulls.

Original language: EN-US

Part of this Story

Australia Paints Frontline M1 Abrams to Resemble Chinese Type 99 Tank for Training

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People and interests

People's Liberation Army Ukraine United States Australia