American M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks from the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, have carried out live-fire accuracy testing at the Novo Selo Training Area in Bulgaria as part of ongoing NATO training operations along the alliance’s eastern flank.
According to the U.S. Army, the Live Fire Accuracy Screening Test (LFAST) was conducted on September 28 to assess and confirm the tanks’ fire control systems before full-scale gunnery exercises.
The test ensures each Abrams is combat-ready and that its targeting systems are operating correctly ahead of live-fire qualification events.
The M1A2 Abrams, weighing approximately 68 tons, features a 120mm XM256 smoothbore cannon, a 7.62mm M240 coaxial machine gun, and a .50 calibre M2 machine gun. Powered by a 1,500-horsepower gas turbine engine, the tank can reach speeds of up to 42 miles per hour and travel up to 265 miles on a single tank of fuel.
Designed by General Dynamics Land Systems, the M1A2 incorporates advanced thermal imaging, computerised fire control, and the Inter-Vehicle Information System, which enables real-time coordination and communication between vehicles.
This system enhances situational awareness and command efficiency, allowing units to automatically track friendly and enemy positions and transmit operational data across the battlefield.
The live-fire drills in Bulgaria form part of the U.S. Army’s effort to maintain “combat-credible forces” across Europe and strengthen interoperability with NATO allies. U.S. officials said such exercises increase readiness and demonstrate the ability of forward-deployed American units to respond rapidly to potential threats along NATO’s eastern frontier.
