What You Need to Know: Australia has announced plans to send 49 M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks to Ukraine, reaffirming its support for Kyiv amid Russia's conflict with Russia. Valued at approximately $245 million, the tanks aim to enhance the Ukrainian Armed Forces' firepower and mobility.

-Australia is transitioning to newer M1A2 Abrams tanks and will retain a few older models for training purposes. The transfer requires approval from the United States due to international arms regulations, but no significant delays are expected. Some tanks may need refurbishment before deployment, and those not fit for frontline service might be used for spare parts.

-The first tanks are anticipated to arrive in Ukraine later this year, possibly equipped with electronic warfare systems to counter Russian drones.

Ukraine Set to Receive Dozens of M1 Abrams MBTs From the Land Down Under

Australia announced that it will send nearly 50 M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks (MBTs) to Ukraine, with Canberra reaffirming its "steadfast support" to Kyiv.

"This will bolster the Armed Forces of Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion," the Australian government announced on Thursday local time. "This latest package, valued at approximately $245 million, will add to the Armed Forces of Ukraine's firepower and mobility, and complement partners’ support for Ukraine's armoured brigades."

The Australian military has begun to receive the newer M1A2 Abrams and will retain a small number of the older models "to assist" with the introduction of the more modern variants. Canberra is on track to receive 75 M1A2s, which will replace its 59 older M1A1s.

"The M1A1 Abrams tanks have been an important capability for the Australian Army, providing substantial defence against enemy fire and improvised explosive devices," the Australian government acknowledging while adding that the tanks could bolster Ukraine's forces.

Forty-nine of the M1A1 MBTs will head to Ukraine, and none of those tanks have ever been used in combat.

Kyiv Being Briefed

The Australian Broadcast Company reported that Defence Industry Minster Pat Conroy, who is heading to Brussels to attend the NATO defense minister meeting, will soon brief his Ukrainian counterpart and arrange for the transfer of the U.S.-made armored vehicles.

"These tanks will deliver more firepower and mobility to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and complement the support provided by our partners for Ukraine's armoured brigades ­ Australia has been steadfast in our support for Ukraine," Conroy said while in a stop to London, where he has been meeting with members of the UK government.

The transfer of the tanks from Australia to Ukraine required approval from Washington due to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) – even though the Biden Administration had already provided Kyiv with 31 of the same model tanks last year.

Canberra notified Washington last month, and there is little reason to believe that there would be any hold-up on the delivery due to the ITAR.

Refurbishment May be Required for M1 Abrams Tanks 

The only delay in the tanks reaching Ukraine is that a "small number will require remediation work before being delivered to Europe," ABC added. However, the news organization suggested it is possible all of the tanks will be sent and those not fit for frontline service would be "used for spare parts or (in) other roles."

"These tanks will be an essential part of our land defences, and we have already been operating some of those tanks, which we've been provided by the Americans in the past, so we already have teams of people who know how to use that equipment," Vasyl Myroshnychenko, Ukraine's ambassador to Australia told the ABC.

According to the Kyiv Post, the tanks will also be fitting with electronic warfare (EW) systems that could be essential to counter the threat from Russia's drones and loitering munitions.

The first of the M1A1 MBTs could reach Ukraine later this year.

Author Experience and Expertise: Peter Suciu

Peter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer. He has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers, and websites with over 3,200 published pieces over a twenty-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: [email protected].

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