Australia Sends 49 US-Made M1A1 Abrams Tanks to Ukraine Amid Fleet Upgrade

Oct 16, 2024, 03:01 PM

Australia will send 49 US-made M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine as part of a $245 million military aid package, according to ABC News. The soon-to-be-retired tanks are being donated as Australia replaces its fleet of 59 M1A1 tanks with 75 newer M1A2 models. The decision comes months after Ukraine expressed interest in the aging tanks and aims to enhance Ukraine's firepower and mobility in its ongoing conflict. Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy stated at a NATO defense ministers meeting that the tanks will 'deliver more firepower and mobility to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.' The move has been welcomed by Ukraine's ambassador.