Why Is This US Ally Training to Destroy Chinese Tanks? The Alarming Reason Behind Disguised Abrams

Australia has unveiled an M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams main battle tank disguised as a Chinese PLA Type-99 for realistic combat training, according to The War Zone. The surrogate vehicle features PLA-style digital camouflage, dummy rear fuel drums, and other visual modifications designed to improve target recognition during high-intensity exercises such as Exercise Tungsten Forge/Gauntlet Strike. The report says Australia is acquiring 75 M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams under the LAND 907 Phase 2 program as Canberra sharpens its focus on the Indo-Pacific. The development comes as China has also built HIMARS surrogates and mock U.S. warships for its own military training, highlighting the growing emphasis on preparing for potential high-end conflict in the Asia-Pacific.