Australian M1A1 Abrams Tanks Delivered To Ukraine
The first batch of Australian M1A1 Abrams have been delivered to Ukraine. A total of 49 Abrams main battle tanks have been pledged to Ukraine by the Albanese Government. This delivery comes as part of a AU$245 million support package, which makes up a part of the AU$1.5 billion that the Canberra has pledged to Ukraine since the start of the conflict in 2022.
Australian Defense Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles spoke on the recent delivery in a Australian Department of Defence press release:
“The M1A1 Abrams tanks will make a significant contribution to Ukraine’s ongoing fight against Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion. I was pleased to meet the Australian Army personnel who helped facilitate the delivery of these tanks from Australia to Ukraine. Australia remains steadfast in our support for Ukraine and seeing a just and lasting peace.”
The American-designed and manufactured Abrams has been in service around the world since the early 1980s, with the Australian Army buying their first M1A1s in 2006. They replaced the Leopard AS1 the following year. By 2024 Australia had committed to buying 120 of the newer model M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams at a total cost of AU$3.5 billion. The 49 M1A1s that have been sent to Ukraine were to be retired from service and disposed of. Australian Minister for the Defence Industry, Pat Conroy noted:
“These modified M1A1 Abrams tanks will deliver more firepower and more mobility to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. They meet a direct request from the Ukrainian Government and form part of Australia’s unwavering commitment to protect the global rules-based order.”
Footage of the donated tanks has also appeared on online, showing them being driven from a factory complex, being prepared for shipment.
Australia is already involved in the wider effort of NATO and other Western aligned nations in supporting the Ukrainian war effort including through. Operation Kudu, the Australian contribution to the UK-led training Operation Interflex which has been running since 2023. The Australian Abrams represent a significant reinforcement of Ukraine’s tank fleet which has taken significant losses through attrition over the last 18 months.