The M1A2 tank can also launch attack drones! The U.S. military purchases new launchers that can counterattack without opening the hatch cover
Quick Look
- Army has purchased three sets of PERCH 2.0 UAV launcher prototypes, which are planned to be tested by the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, Texas, so that the M1A2 tank can launch the Switchblade 300 attack UAV, improving the ability to detect and attack targets outside the line of sight.
- It is still in the testing phase and mass production has not yet been decided.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
During the Ukraine-Russia war, Russia used drones to pose a threat to Ukrainian armored forces, highlighting the shortcomings of traditional tanks in anti-drone operations. Therefore, the U.S. Army began to add drone reconnaissance and counterattack capabilities to the M1A2 tank.
The U.S. Army's M1A2 tank can be equipped with a PERCH 2.0 drone launcher in the future to increase attack methods. (AP file photo)
[Reporter Tu Jumin/Comprehensive Report] The Ukraine-Russia war highlighted the threat of drones to armored forces. The U.S. Army is adding drone reconnaissance and counterattack methods to the M1A2 "Ablan" main tank. According to reports from foreign military news websites, the U.S. military has purchased three sets of new PERCH 2.0 drone launcher prototypes, allowing combat vehicles to launch "Switchblade 300" attack drones from the vehicle. The crew can detect and attack enemy positions out of sight without opening the hatch cover, greatly expanding the combat capabilities of the combat vehicle.
According to reports from foreign military news websites "Army Recognition" and "Breaking Defense", PERCH 2.0 was developed by General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) of the United States. Four prototype systems are expected to be delivered before the end of October and will be tested by the 1st Brigade of the 1st Cavalry Division of the US Army stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. It is worth noting that the purchase of 3 sets has been confirmed, and the source of the fourth set has not been disclosed. The overall plan is still in the testing stage, and mass production has not yet been decided.
The US military has purchased three sets of new PERCH 2.0 drone launcher prototypes, allowing combat vehicles to launch "Switchblade 300" attack drones from the vehicle. The picture shows the PERCH launcher installed on a pickup truck. (Taken from the General Dynamics Land Systems website)
The traditional M1A2 tank mainly relies on the 120 mm smoothbore cannon to attack the enemy. However, when facing anti-tank missile troops hiding in buildings or behind hills, it is easily restricted by line of sight. PERCH 2.0 can launch the Switchblade 300 UAV with reconnaissance capabilities, allowing the tank to first search for enemy positions from the air and then destroy the target with a suicide attack without risking driving into the enemy's fire range.
The report stated that the PERCH system completed launch testing last year. The initial version can carry the Switchblade 300 and the Switchblade 600 drone with strong anti-armor capability; the new version focuses on the smaller Switchblade 300, increases the number of ammunition reserves, and improves the loading process. The launcher can be installed in the existing fixed position of the tank without having to significantly modify the turret structure.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The PERCH 2.0 system will complete the delivery of 4 sets of prototypes before the end of October and enter the actual testing phase.
Likely · Within weeks
If the test is successful, the U.S. Army may consider mass production of the PERCH 2.0 system to enhance the anti-drone capabilities of the M1A2 tank.
Possible · Within months
Open Questions
- When will the PERCH 2.0 system be tested?
- Will it be decided to mass-produce and equip more tanks?
- What are the costs and maintenance requirements of the system?
