Australia has announced it will send 49 decommissioned M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine as part of a $245 million military aid package, aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s ongoing invasion, said Australian Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy, ABC News reported on October 16.
The decision comes more than a year after Kyiv first showed interest in Australia’s aging fleet of Abrams tanks.
“We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukraine in their fight against Russia’s illegal invasion,” Conroy said during a NATO defense ministers meeting in Brussels.
“These tanks will provide greater firepower and mobility to Ukraine’s Armed Forces and complement the support offered by our global partners.”
Australia recently began receiving its new fleet of 75 M1A2 tanks, which will replace the older M1A1 vehicles, enabling the country to donate its surplus tanks to Ukraine. Some of the M1A1 Abrams may be used directly on the battlefield, while others could serve as spare parts.
Ukraine’s ambassador to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, recognized the donation as a “significant contribution” to Ukraine’s defense efforts, highlighting that the tanks’ armor and capabilities will play a crucial role in fortifying defensive lines.
A Ukraine-based defense consultant involved in the negotiations for the transfer of Abrams tanks stated that the vehicles are expected to reach the front lines more quickly than initially anticipated.
“One of the unique elements of the Australian tanks is that they’re in reasonably good working order. The fact the Ukrainians already have some M1A1s in theatre from the allies suggests there’s a good logistics chain there as well as some training,” he said.
This latest military aid brings Australia’s total contribution to Ukraine since the start of the war to over $1.3 billion, with overall government support surpassing $1.5 billion.
Earlier, France pledged to deliver 100 newly developed strike drones to Ukraine in the “coming weeks”.
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