Australian tanks head to Ukraine as helicopters stay grounded
Despite Ukraine's appeals, Australia has not decided to hand over the decommissioned MRH90 Taipan helicopters. However, Kyiv cannot complain about the Australians – the authorities have decided to supply Ukraine with 49 Abrams M1A1SA tanks.
Australia is modernizing its armed forces. In addition to new submarines and aircraft, it is acquiring new K9 howitzers, infantry fighting vehicles, and tanks. Canberra has chosen American Abrams tanks—Australia ordered 75 of these machines in the same variant as Poland, namely M1A2SEPv3.
The modernization of Australia’s army involves the decommissioning of older equipment, including 59 Abrams M1A1SA tanks. 49 of them are to be transferred to Ukraine. According to the Defence 24 service, reports on plans to transfer these tanks were confirmed by Australia’s Defence Minister Pat Conroy during a meeting of NATO defence ministers in Brussels.
49 more Abrams tanks are a significant reinforcement for Ukraine. The country has so far received 31 or 33 tanks of this type from the Americans, of which up to seven vehicles have been destroyed, and a similar or greater number have been damaged. The Australian assistance will allow for replenishing the losses in the Abrams battalion currently operated by Ukraine (31 tanks) and for the formation of another one.
The date for the transfer of the tanks remains unknown, but it should be assumed that it will not happen soon. Abrams tanks arrived in Australia in 2007 and have been heavily used since then. Before being handed over to the new user, they will likely undergo refurbishment in the United States, which will include not only renovation but also adaptation to the requirements and standards of the Ukrainian army.
During the refurbishment work, there will not be a need to remove depleted uranium inserts – Australia operates an export version of the American tank, from which uranium inserts have been removed.
Australia will transfer tanks but not helicopters
Australia's decision fulfills Ukraine's requests, which – in the context of the modernization of the Australian armed forces – sought the transfer of decommissioned equipment, including tanks.
As we reported recently, the MRH90 Taipan helicopters (the Australian variant of NH90) will not be transferred to Ukraine , as they are being scrapped after decommissioning. The parts recovered in this way will go into a pool that allows for the repair and operation of the remaining machines of this type, used around the world.
