Canberra bolsters Kyiv with 49 M1A1 Abrams tanks
According to Bulgarian Military, Canberra delivers military equipment rather than deploying troops to Ukraine. The service, citing Australian government officials, reports that Australia plans to supply Kyiv with M1A1 Abrams tanks.
According to the Bulgarian Military, Canberra plans to transfer 49 M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine to strengthen its defence capabilities. This decision aligns with Australia’s strategy of providing material assistance without direct involvement. The tanks, which Australia has retired from use, are intended to assist Ukraine amid challenges on the battlefield. While there is no confirmation of further deliveries in 2025, analysts speculate that support might increase.
Abrams for Ukraine
Australia's decision has met with mixed reactions. Ukrainian officials expressed gratitude for the support, while Russian media criticized the deliveries, claiming that the tanks do not match up to Russia's modern weaponry. Additionally, experts point out that although effective, the Abrams tanks require maintenance, which could pose a challenge for Ukraine. However, Western allies, including Australia, have pledged to support Ukrainians with training and repairs.
The M1A1 Abrams is one of the most recognizable and advanced tanks in the world, remaining a symbol of the power of American armoured forces for years. Its history dates back to the 1980s when the US Army enhanced the original M1 Abrams model, increasing its firepower and resistance to contemporary threats. The M1A1 version was equipped with a new 120 mm smoothbore gun, produced under licence from the German Rheinmetall. Compared to the earlier 105 mm gun version, this meant a significant increase in effectiveness against armoured targets.
The M1A1 tank stands out for its strong armour. A key change from the older model was composite armour with inserts of the infamous depleted uranium, which radically increased resistance to anti-tank shells. This made the M1A1 Abrams one of the best-protected tanks of its era. In addition to the powerful 120 mm cannon, the tank is armed with an M240 7.62 mm machine gun and a large-calibre M2 Browning 12.7 mm. Depending on the configuration and version, it may also be equipped with active defence and advanced observation systems.
The tank's propulsion is based on a Honeywell AGT1500 gas turbine engine with 1500 horsepower, providing it with high mobility despite its significant weight exceeding 54,000 kilograms. As a result, the M1A1 Abrams can reach up to 68 kilometres per hour on paved roads and can manoeuvre efficiently in rugged terrain. The running gear, based on hydropneumatic suspension, offers high stability and driving comfort, which is crucial during combat.
