USA delays transfer of Australian M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine - ABC
Photo: Australia has not yet received US approval for the export of M1A1 Abrams to another country (dvidshub.net)
Australia promised last year to send Ukraine decommissioned M1A1 Abrams tanks, but they have not been delivered yet. The delay is due to opposition from the US, according to ABC.
Several months after the announcement of the tank transfer as part of a $245 million aid package, the M1A1 Abrams tanks are still awaiting approval for export. Australian Ministry of Defence officials partly attribute the delay to the United States.
The difficulties with the transfer became known in March after US President Donald Trump temporarily froze military aid to Ukraine. Now, Ministry of Defence officials claim that the process faces even greater uncertainty as the official US approval for the export of M1A1 Abrams tanks to another country has not yet been received.
A representative of the Australian Ministry of Defence stated that Australia remains committed to delivering the M1A1 Abrams in 2025 and that the M1A1 export process continues. The Ministry of Defence is working with the Ukrainian government based on the agreed arrangements for the transfer of property, including delivery and support.
Earlier, ABC reported concerns from US officials who claimed that last year, the Pentagon warned Australia against gifting these tanks due to logistical costs and difficulties in maintaining the equipment on Ukrainian soil.
The publication clarifies that the decommissioned Australian fleet of 59 M1A1 Abrams tanks was purchased in 2007 but has never been deployed in combat. They are being replaced by the newer M1A2 tank, which features a 120mm cannon.
As part of the military aid package to Ukraine, Australia was set to deliver 49 M1A1 tanks.
Australian Abrams tanks transfer to Ukraine
In August 2024, Australia decommissioned the last M1A1 Abrams. Before this, Ukraine had requested that these tanks be sent to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Soon after, on October 17, 2024, it was revealed that Australia would send 49 decommissioned M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine as part of the new $245 million military aid package. The relevant information was published on the Australian government’s website.
