These measures, plus ongoing electronics upgrades, are expected to sustain the U.S. Army's fleet of almost 7,000 Abrams tanks into 2027.
Barring some new weapons that truly make it obsolete, that is. But contenders for the title of furry little mammal that destroys the dinosaur tank have all ended up in the tar pits so far.
The durability of this platform is amazing. The Abrams has grown in protection, firepower, and electronics, of course, since first introduced; but we wouldn't have considered that tanks of 1917 suitable for the battlefield of 1967. Yet this tank could be a major part of our Army in 2027.
The main battle tank may very well become obsolete. No weapon is immune to technological progress. As long as we don't need to face an enemy air force like our own, however, the only tanks that likely will be obsolete in the near future are those of our potential enemies.
