Will the US "join hands" to bring M1A1 Abrams to Ukraine?

According to information from the Sydney Morning Herald, the Australian government is cooperating with the Biden administration to plan to send 59 M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine.

The Russia-Ukraine conflict is still raging. Currently, the Ukrainian forces are having difficulty in compensating for the loss of equipment, while Russia can quickly replace it thanks to its strong defense industry. Therefore, providing more tanks to the Ukrainian forces has become urgent.

The Russian military, backed by a strong defense industry, has recently received a new batch of T-90M Proryv tanks, bolstering Russia’s ability to maintain a steady flow of heavy equipment on the front lines. By contrast, Ukraine (which relies on military aid from its Western partners) faces a halved number of M1A1 Abrams tanks, with no plans for additional deliveries from the United States in the near future.

Australian Army M1A1 Abrams tank fires during an exercise in Puckapunyal. (Source: Australian Army)

Another country that could help offset Ukraine’s losses is Australia. In January 2022, Canberra confirmed the purchase of 75 M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams tanks for around $2.5 billion to replace the 59 M1A1 Abrams tanks in service with the Australian Army. These tanks have not seen much use and were withdrawn from service by July 2024. The M1A1 Abrams are being placed in reserve as the first deliveries of the M1A2 SEPv3s approach.

By the end of September 2024, Ukraine had received all 31 M1A1 Abrams tanks that the US promised to provide. (Source: Ukrainian Army)

These deliveries are part of a commitment by the US in January 2023 to provide Ukraine with modern tanks to bolster its defenses against Russian forces. However, reports suggest that Ukraine has lost at least half of these tanks in the ongoing conflict.

Kiev’s interest in these decommissioned tanks is not new, but the Australian government has previously rejected this request, citing the high cost of delivery. The same reason was given by Australia for refusing to send a fleet of MRH-90 Taipan helicopters (also decommissioned in Australia) to Ukraine.

However, Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles appears to have reconsidered the matter and is now considering supplying these tanks to Kyiv, subject to US defense export regulations.

If the deal materializes, it could provide significant support to the Ukrainian military, which is struggling against Russian military might.

The M1A1 Abrams is an improved version of the American-designed M1 Abrams main battle tank. First produced in 1985, the tank features several upgrades over the original, including a new suspension, improved transmission, and enhanced armor protection. Its main armament is a 120mm M256 smoothbore gun, capable of firing armor-piercing shells at an effective range of over 3,500 meters. The tank is also equipped with two 7.62mm coaxial machine guns and a 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine gun, providing powerful firepower.

The M1A1 uses Chobham composite armor that provides effective protection against kinetic and chemical munitions. The tank is powered by a Honeywell AGT 1500 gas turbine engine, which allows the tank to reach a top speed of 68 km/h with a range of 426 km. Its design also includes NBC (nuclear, biological and chemical) protection systems, thermal night vision and fire suppression systems, ensuring high safety for the crew on the battlefield.

The Hai (According to Army Recognition)

Source: https://www.nguoiduatin.vn/australia-va-my-se-bat-tay-mang-them-m1a1-abrams-den-ukraine-204240923234116621.htm