The Australian government has delivered the first batch of M1A1 Abrams tanks to the Ukrainian armed forces, the Ministry of Defence announced today. The move reinforces Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's ongoing and unwavering support for Ukraine.
Defense Minister Richard Marles stated that over half of the 49 M1A1 Abrams tanks pledged to Kyiv have been delivered in this shipment. The remaining tanks will arrive in the coming months. "Australia remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine and desires a just and lasting peace," he said.
Ukrainian Ambassador Vasyl Myroshnychenko confirmed the delivery and expressed gratitude to Australia. "This gesture of strong solidarity is not merely military support, but a lifeline and a message that we are not alone in our darkest hour," he said.
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M1A1 Abrams tanks are loaded onto a ship by Australia for delivery to Ukraine on 7/5. Photo: Australian Department of Defence |
M1A1 Abrams tanks are loaded onto a ship by Australia for delivery to Ukraine on 7/5. Photo: Australian Department of Defence
Australia pledged 49 used M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine in 10/2024. However, the transfer was delayed for 9 months, seemingly due to US restrictions. Contractual obligations required US approval before Australia could transfer the tanks to a third party like Ukraine.
Washington subsequently agreed to allow Canberra to deliver the Abrams tanks to Kyiv. During a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Italy on 18/5, Prime Minister Albanese confirmed the first batch was en route to Ukraine.
Australia acquired 59 M1A1 Abrams tanks in 2007, but they have never seen combat. These tanks have been decommissioned and will be replaced by the newer M1A2 SEP v3 version.
The US has delivered a total of 31 M1A1SA Abrams tanks to Ukraine, enough to equip an armored battalion. The Ukrainian military has previously stated that the $10 million US tanks would be crucial for breaching enemy lines.
However, Ukrainian forces have suffered losses despite limited deployment of the Abrams tanks, not engaging in combined arms assault operations as outlined in NATO military doctrine. Oryx, a Netherlands-based open-source intelligence defense analysis website, estimates Ukraine has lost at least 22 Abrams tanks since they entered service in 2/2024.
Pham Giang (Reuters, ABC, Kyiv Independent)
