Key Points and Summary – Australia has delivered the majority of 49 promised M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine as part of a $1.5 billion aid package.
-These retired Australian Army tanks (M1A1 AIM SA models) feature upgrades like thermal sights and diesel engines to simplify Ukrainian logistics.
U.S. Soldiers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 70th Armor Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division supporting the 4th Infantry Division, maneuver an M1A2 Abrams tank while participating in a combined arms rehearsal during Anakonda23 at Nowa Deba, Poland, May 14, 2023. Anakonda23 is Poland’s premier national exercise that strives to train, integrate and maintain tactical readiness and increase interoperability in a joint multinational environment, complimenting the 4th Inf. Div.’s mission in Europe, which is to participate in multinational training and exercises across the continent while collaborating with NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America’s Forward deployed corps in Europe. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Theresa Gualdarama)
-The tanks are now reaching frontline units, including the 425th Assault Regiment, and Ukrainian technicians are already modifying them with additional reactive armor, frontal plating, and anti-drone cages to enhance survivability in the brutal Donbas combat environment.
-The delivery proceeded despite initial U.S. reservations about sustainment challenges.
Australia’s M1 Tanks In Ukraine: Bad Idea?
Australia has sent Ukraine the first batch of 49 U.S.-built M1A1 Abrams tanks that it had promised to Kyiv for its fight against Russian aggression, according to the Aussie Defense Ministry in Canberra.
The Australian government announced that Kyiv had received the majority of the 49 M1A1 tanks it had pledged, with the rest scheduled to arrive later this year. The delivery is part of a broader $1.5 billion assistance package Australia has committed to Ukraine since the Russian invasion began in 2022.
“The M1A1 Abrams tanks will make a significant contribution to Ukraine’s ongoing fight against Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion,” said Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles. “Australia remains steadfast in our support for Ukraine and seeing a just and lasting peace.”
Australia Sent M1A1 AIM SA Tanks
The tanks are M1A1 AIM SA models, which are retired and have been replaced by newer M1A2s in Australia. They have been upgraded with features like thermal sights and a reconfigured diesel engine to simplify logistics.
An M1 Abrams main battle tank provides security during the Combined Arms Company field exercise at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, Sept. 16, 2015. The CAC is a newly formed armor element supporting the Black Sea Rotational Force, which reassures our NATO allies and partners of our commitments and will enhance training exercises and operations with partners in the region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Justin T. Updegraff/Released)
The aid package also includes spare parts and support equipment. The tanks’ diesel engine modification simplifies logistics for Ukraine, as their armored fleet already uses diesel fuel.
Australian M1A1 AIM SA Models Now Fielded By Two Ukrainian Units
The War Zone reported that a Ukrainian assault regiment said in late August that it is now using donated Australian M-1 Abrams tanks. This would be the second Ukrainian unit to have received the tanks since they first started arriving in the country two years ago.
“The 425th Assault Regiment Skala announced the arrival of the tanks on its Facebook page. Until now, the 47th Mechanized Brigade Magura was the only Ukrainian unit operating these tanks. Skala, deployed to the Pokrovsk region of eastern Ukraine, is fighting some of the toughest battles of the war.”
The influx of 49 M1A1 Abrams tanks is a huge boost to the Ukrainian military as the attacks by Russia continue. This aid package, valued at $160 million, was made possible due to the Australian Army receiving 75 new M1A2 Abrams in the highly capable SEPv3 variant.
M1 Abrams Tank. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
The Australian variants provided to Ukraine “slightly differ from the baseline vehicles,” the Ukrainian Militarnyi reported.
“They have been upgraded to the M1A1 AIM SA version and received a number of regional modifications to meet customer requirements.”
“These vehicles have a new armor package without depleted uranium. The AIM SA electronics package includes a digital fire control system, thermal imaging, and communications equipment better than that of the basic M1A1, as well as a satellite navigation system.”
But the transfer of the Abrams to Ukraine hasn’t been a smooth one.
US Misgivings About Australian M1A1s Going To Ukraine
The delivery of the M1A1 Abrams to Kyiv follows reported delays due to initial resistance from the U.S. about the American vehicles.
Washington had warned Canberra against sending the tanks, and President Trump’s decision to pause military aid earlier this year may also have added to complications, according to the Australian outlet ABC.
Privately, American officials have expressed concern that Ukraine will struggle to sustain the complex and gas-guzzling Abrams tanks.
“Last year, even before Donald Trump returned as president, we warned the Australians that sending these Abrams tanks would be complicated, and once they finally get to the battlefield, the Ukrainians will find them difficult to sustain,” an American official told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, speaking on the condition of anonymity.
The U.S.-built Abrams tanks, still painted in their AusCam camouflage scheme, were loaded onto a commercial cargo ship in Geelong, Australia, in early May before beginning the trip to Ukraine.
Accompanied by Australian tank crew members, the M1A1 tanks arrived at an unidentified port in Europe, likely Poland, for servicing before being delivered to Ukraine. The service modified the tanks to meet Ukrainian requirements before shipping.
An M1A1 Abrams tank operated by Soldiers with the 2nd Battalion, 70th Armored Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, fires over a barricade at the Douthit Gunnery Complex on Fort Riley, Kansas, Oct. 20, 2022. The tank crew was conducting gunnery qualification. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jared Simmons)
Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy noted that “Australia stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukraine…these modified M1A1 Abrams tanks will deliver more firepower and more mobility to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. They meet a direct request from the Ukrainian Government and form part of Australia’s unwavering commitment to protect the global rules-based order.”
Ukraine Modifying M1A1s To Survive Hellish Combat In Donbas
Ukrainian technicians are upgrading Australian M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks with reactive armor blocks, frontal armor plating, and rooftop steel cages to suit the modern Ukrainian battlefield.
Modified M1A1 Abrams have been seen with additional turret mesh-style and frontal plate-style armor in recent social media posts from Ukraine’s 47th Mechanized Brigade, similar to how the Ukrainians have modified other vehicles.
Ukrainian technicians have also previously fitted other armored vehicles with electronic warfare equipment, anti-drone “cages” on tank roofs and engine compartments, as well as reactive armor elements such as Soviet-era Kontakt-1 explosive reactive armor (ERA) blocks. Thermal imaging is a priority setting on the Ukrainian battlefield.
Western nations that have supplied Ukraine with armored vehicles are closely monitoring how the combat scenarios are unfolding during the fighting there.
Ukrainian forces have the most up-to-date battlefield experience using advanced main battle tanks in a modern combat scenario. The evaluation of the ad hoc improvements being made to donated armored vehicles is definitely something that should be studied.
These changes to armored vehicles seen in Ukraine can help if Russia continues its aggressive actions against other nations in Europe.
The most recent reports from Ukraine indicate that the units receiving the Australian M1A1 AIM SA tanks are completing their training and should soon be entering the fray.
Then, we’ll be hearing reports on how well the tanks are performing in action against the Russian invasion. While much talk recently has centered around the possibility of Kyiv getting Tomahawk cruise missiles from the US, the battles on the ground have not stopped, and it remains a constant issue for the Ukrainian armed forces, who are still outnumbered.
About the Author: Steve Balestrieri
Steve Balestrieri is a National Security Columnist. He served as a US Army Special Forces NCO and Warrant Officer. In addition to writing on defense, he covers the NFL for PatsFans.com and is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA). His work was regularly featured in many military publications.
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