Australia aids Ukraine with 49 retired Abrams tanks
According to Bulgarian Military, Canberra delivers military equipment rather than deploying troops to Ukraine. The service, citing Australian government officials, reports that Australia plans to supply Kyiv with M1A1 Abrams tanks.
Canberra plans to transfer 49 M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine to enhance its defense capabilities. This decision to supply tanks instead of troops aligns with Australia’s strategy of providing material assistance without direct involvement. The retired M1A1 Abrams tanks will assist Ukraine amid ongoing battlefield challenges. While there is no confirmation of further deliveries in 2025, analysts speculate that support might increase.
Abrams for Ukraine
Australia's decision has been met with mixed reactions. Ukrainian officials expressed gratitude for the support, whereas Russian media criticized the deliveries, claiming the tanks do not match up to Russia's modern weaponry. Experts also point out that although effective, the Abrams tanks require maintenance, which could challenge Ukraine. However, Western allies, including Australia, have pledged to support Ukrainians in training and repairs.
The M1A1 Abrams is one of the world's most recognizable and advanced tanks, remaining a symbol of the power of American armored forces for years. Its history dates back to the 1980s when the U.S. Army enhanced the original M1 Abrams model, increasing its firepower and resistance to contemporary threats. The M1A1 version was equipped with a new 120 mm smoothbore gun, produced under license from the German Rheinmetall. Compared to the earlier 105 mm gun version, this meant a significant increase in effectiveness against armored targets.
The M1A1 tank stands out for its strong armor. A key change from the older model was composite armor with inserts of the infamous depleted uranium, which radically increased resistance to anti-tank shells. This made the M1A1 Abrams one of the best-protected tanks of its era. In addition to the powerful 120 mm cannon, the tank is armed with an M240 7.62 mm machine gun and a large-caliber M2 Browning 12.7 mm. Depending on the configuration and version, it may also be equipped with active defense and advanced observation systems.
The tank's propulsion is based on a Honeywell AGT1500 gas turbine engine with 1,500 horsepower, providing it with high mobility despite its significant weight exceeding 60 tons. As a result, the M1A1 Abrams can reach speeds of up to 42 mph on paved roads and maneuver efficiently in difficult terrain. Based on hydropneumatic suspension, the running gear offers high stability and driving comfort, which are crucial during combat.
