Russian capture of U.S. Abrams tanks raises doubt over frontline strength
Russian armed forces have reportedly captured another American M1A1 Abrams tank used by Ukrainian troops. Analysts from the portal Bulgarian Military note that the tanks provided by the USA are being compromised on the front at an alarming rate.
The latest Abrams tank, which fell into Russian hands, was reportedly taken out of combat on September 14, 2024. A photo published online shows that the vehicle was equipped with additional armor—Soviet Kontakt-1 reactive armor. However, the enhancements made by the Ukrainians did not achieve the desired effect, as the tank was completely immobilized.
The myth of indestructible Abrams tanks is falling in Ukraine
It's significant that the recently destroyed M1A1 Abrams is the third tank of this type to be destroyed in less than seven days, according to the Bulgarian Military. Reports from the front indicate that Ukrainian forces are losing Abrams tanks rapidly, a trend that follows a period of increased losses from February to mid-April 2024.
Ukrainian armed forces quickly decided to withdraw Abrams tanks from the front to make improvements related to armor. This decision came as a response to the increased losses, reported just three days after the tanks were sent into combat.
Bulgarian Military calculates that currently, of the 31 tanks delivered to Ukraine, over 20 units have been destroyed, damaged, or captured. Most of these losses are attributed to artillery strikes or kamikaze drones.
Previously, Ukrainian soldiers expressed dissatisfaction with the tanks, highlighting issues like condensation inside the machines, which negatively affects critical tank systems, including fire control and communication. Ukrainians also emphasized that the size of Abrams tanks is not insignificant. American tanks are larger than Soviet-produced tanks (e.g., T-80), making them easier to hit. This is crucial, especially given the widespread use of kamikaze drones in Ukraine.
Ukrainian Abrams tanks
The M1A1 Abrams tanks operated by Ukrainian armed forces stand out with impressive technical specifications. Each tank is equipped with a 120mm M256 smoothbore gun and powered by a Honeywell AGT1500 gas turbine. The vehicle is nearly 33 feet long, about 12 feet wide, and does not exceed 8 feet in height. The Abrams has a range of over 280 miles on a full tank. On roads, these tanks can travel up to 43 mph; in more challenging terrain, they can reach up to 31 mph.
