Summary and Key Points You Need to Know: The M1 Abrams, developed during the Cold War to counter Soviet tanks, is one of the most advanced Main Battle Tanks (MBTs).

-Initially introduced with a 105mm gun, later variants like the M1A1 and M1A2 received upgrades including a 120mm smoothbore cannon and improved armor.

-Despite its success in past conflicts like Operation Desert Storm, the Abrams' recent deployment in Ukraine has faced challenges.

-Lacking the integrated support and training required to maximize the tank's capabilities, Ukrainian forces have struggled to utilize the Abrams effectively, resulting in significant losses.

Why Ukraine's M1 Abrams Tanks Haven't Turned the Tide Against Russia

When the Soviet Union was America’s greatest threat, American military leaders were convinced of the need for an advanced Main Battle Tank (MBT) that could potentially counter what they knew would be a swarm of Soviet Red Army tanks and troops into the narrow Fulda Gap in Germany, if hostilities between the two sides erupted. 

So, in the 1970s, the United States Army began developing what would become known as the M1 Abrams MBT.

In other words, the Army built what is probably one of the greatest tanks of all time.

Specifically meant to counteract the threat posed from Soviet T-64 and T-72 MBTs, the US Army wanted to include firepower, protection, and rapid mobility in their new MBT. Initially, the M1 Abrams was equipped with a 105mm gun.

Eventually, however, future variants, such as the M1A1 or the M1A2 would enjoy significant upgrades that included an 120mm smoothbore cannon, improved armor, and better fire control systems. 

The History of the M1 Abrams

The Abrams saw first major combat operations during Operation Desert Storm in 1991. The tank performed brilliantly. Because of his stellar record in combat against Iraq, what was then the fourth-largest army in the world—sporting many of the most advanced (at that time) Soviet military systems—the Abrams rightly earned its great reputation. 

In more recent years, the Abrams has undergone various upgrades and modernization programs designed to keep this MBT relevant in a constantly evolving world at war. Several years ago, it was decided by the Pentagon that they needed an entirely new MBT to meet the needs of the modern battlefield. After much thought on the matter, however, the Pentagon ultimately decided to basically keep the Abrams MBT but wildly enhance it as never before.

Thus, the M1E3 Abrams program was born. 

This tank is truly one the greatest of all time. That’s why when Washington authorized the deployment of 31 older models that had been sitting in storage for many years to be refurbished and given to the besieged Ukrainians in their war against Russia, there were celebrations throughout Ukraine and NATO. 

Ukraine Doesn’t Understand the Abrams

Sadly for the Ukrainians, who did not have a proper understanding of or training with the Abrams MBT, the tanks have proven to be more of a headache than they’re worth.

Almost immediately large numbers of these systems were obliterated by the Russians the moment they made contact with the Russian military, which used anti-tank missiles and drones to great effect against the Abrams.

What’s more, the reason the Abrams performed so well against the Iraqis in Desert Storm was not just because the geography in the Middle East was more conducive to the wide-ranging tank maneuvers, but also because the Abrams was built for a truly integrated offense. Abrams are not meant to operate alone. They are meant to hunt in packs. Further, these packs are supposed to have adequate air cover and infantry support. 

Ukraine lacks these things. So, the tanks got destroyed. Ukraine was understandably embarrassed. The West has attempted to ignore the reality that the Russians outmatch the Ukrainians and should be suing for peace. Yet, everyone keeps pretending like the tanks made a difference. They did not. And they would not have, even with some better air cover. That’s because fundamentally the Ukrainians do not understand how to work these tanks and use them in the ways the Americans designed them to be used. 

That’s okay. 

Why Isn’t Ukraine Negotiating for Peace with Russia Now?

Ukraine has displayed other strengths—notably in asymmetrical ways. But more importantly, rather than continuing to plead for more systems from the West that will ultimately fail to move the strategic needle in Ukraine’s favor, Kiev and their Western partners should be suing for peace with Moscow before it’s too late (and it might already be). 

The Abrams is a magnificent tank when used in the ways it was designed to be used and operated by people who have a deep understanding of these systems. If used by amateurs who don’t understand or appreciate the systems in question (or who cannot fundamentally support these platforms in the crucible of combat), they’re as useless to Ukrainians as paperweights are. 

And they become easy targets for the Russians. 

Author Experience and Expertise: Brandon J. Weichert

Brandon J. Weichert, a National Interest national security analyst, is a former Congressional staffer and geopolitical analyst who is a contributor at The Washington Times, the Asia Times, and The-Pipeline. He is the author of Winning Space: How America Remains a Superpower, Biohacked: China’s Race to Control Life, and The Shadow War: Iran’s Quest for Supremacy. His next book, A Disaster of Our Own Making: How the West Lost Ukraine, is due October 22 from Encounter Books. Weichert can be followed via Twitter @WeTheBrandon.

All images are Creative Commons or Shutterstock. 

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