Australia sent Abrams tanks to Ukraine, US predicts challenges - ABC
Photo: American Abrams M1A1 tank (Getty Images)
The Australian government has sent a batch of decommissioned Abrams tanks to Ukraine, despite objections from some American officials regarding the deal, according to ABC.
During a meeting in Rome last night, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for delivering a batch of used M1A1 Abrams tanks to Kyiv.
Sources told ABC that the loading of the first part of 49 tanks onto a cargo ship recently began. The current location of the equipment and its arrival date in Europe are not being disclosed for security reasons.
Before the shipment, Australia received Washington’s approval to export the American-made tanks to a third country. However, despite the authorisation, some US officials remain critical of the decision.
An ABC source in the White House said that last year, before Donald Trump’s second presidential term, Washington warned Australia about the difficulties of transferring Abrams tanks to Ukraine, specifically the challenge of maintaining this equipment at the front.
In April, a representative of the Australian Ministry of Defence said that providing heavy tanks might not be the most effective way to support Ukraine.
"We are starting to doubt if the Ukrainians actually want these vehicles. The tank roof is the weakest point of the Abrams and this is a drone war," the official said.
Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles confirmed that Canberra is coordinating with Kyiv and Washington to implement the delivery. He noted that the first batch is already en route but declined to share details for security reasons.
The publication recalled that earlier this year, the operation of a key logistics hub in Poland, which is to receive the Australian Abrams, was suspended due to Trump’s decision to halt military aid to Ukraine. However, the facility has now resumed normal operations.
In April, an Australian Defence Ministry spokesperson said the transfer of M1A1 Abrams tanks is expected in 2025, and the export process remains active.
"Defence continues to work with the Ukrainian government in line with agreed arrangements for the gifting, including on delivery and sustainment," the spokesperson added.
The publication also noted that last year, Albanese’s government faced criticism for refusing Ukraine’s request to provide decommissioned Australian Taipan helicopters. The Defence Ministry explained that the helicopters are too complex to operate and maintain in combat conditions.
Australian Abrams for Ukraine
In February 2024, Ukraine requested Abrams tanks from Australia after they were replaced.
In August last year, the Australian army decommissioned the last tank of this model in its arsenal.
In October, Australia promised to transfer 49 M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine as part of a large military aid package.
However, delivery was delayed due to the position of the United States.
