According to the accompanying social media statement, the vehicle was “Produced by Roush and powered by lessons learned from earlier risk reduction activities,” underlining the focus on rapid delivery of a modern main battle tank to Army units. The Army added that the prototype reflects “the Army’s commitment to speed, agility, and Soldier-centric solutions,” with “advanced software integration,” “enhanced mobility,” and “unmatched lethality” highlighted as key features.
🚨 The Army unveils the M1E3 early prototype! Built with speed, lessons learned & tech for Soldiers. Testing starts early 2026. #ArmyInnovation 💥 pic.twitter.com/Qm9JFugQ7R
— U.S. Army – Speed to Delivery (@USArmyFast) January 6, 2026
The pre-prototype was assembled and delivered to a unit in December 2025, with testing expected to begin within the next few weeks. The Army stated: “This milestone proves the Army’s ability to rapidly apply lessons learned and deliver enabling technologies to Soldiers faster than ever before,” adding that “Testing kicks off in early 2026, and we can’t wait to see the results!”
The two black-and-white images provide limited but revealing views of the vehicle, including a frontal view of the left side of the turret and hull roof, and a rearward side view showing part of the upper front hull plate, the right side of the turret and the main gun. While major elements such as the engine compartment and running gear remain unseen, the available material suggests a heavily armoured turret closely resembling a modified Abrams A1 design, though with armour apparently thinner than that of the M1A2 SEPv3.
Visible features include a prominent sensor window near the gun mantlet, a possible mounting point above the gun, an antenna likely linked to external communications, and a structure on the turret roof whose function remains unclear. The absence of visible hatches or periscopes on the turret roof may indicate an effort to simulate aspects of an unmanned turret, while the gun is likely the existing M256, based on the design of the bore evacuator shroud.
Changes to the hull are also apparent, notably a reinforced upper front glacis plate set at a steep angle, enhancing protection despite limited thickness. The presence of two hatches suggests a major redesign of the front hull, potentially allowing two or three crew members to sit side by side, implying that fuel tanks have been relocated compared with earlier Abrams variants.
New LED headlights and what appears to be an optoelectronic sensor suite for all-round observation are also visible at the front of the vehicle. Further details are expected in the coming days, and if earlier announcements hold true, the M1E3 pre-prototype is due to be presented publicly at the Detroit Auto Show in January 2026.
