Australia boosts Ukraine's defense with 49 Abrams tanks
The Ukrainian military is set to receive significant support. The Australian government has decided to send 49 Abrams M1A1 tanks to Kyiv. This top-quality weaponry will undoubtedly be valuable on the front line, surpassing the technology available to Moscow.
11:02 AM EDT, October 17, 2024
Australia is currently modernizing its army. The newer generation M1A2 tanks will replace the Abrams M1A1 models. The authorities in Canberra have already ordered 75 of these new military vehicles. Meanwhile, 49 older models will be sent directly to the front lines in Ukraine.
Canberra's decision to send Abrams M1A1 tanks to Ukraine is part of a $245 million support package that the Ukrainians have pledged.
Although the M1A1 Abrams design dates back to the 1980s, it is still highly valued by military forces worldwide. The United States and Saudi Arabia, among others, maintain a substantial reserve of these tanks. The Polish army currently has 116 of these vehicles.
Australian tanks are heading to the front to aid Ukraine
Notably, only a small number of the tanks provided by Australia will require additional repairs and maintenance. The units sent to Ukraine have not seen previous front-line action.
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reports that the tanks can be quickly dispatched to Kyiv. From there, they will head directly to the front lines to engage with Russian forces.
It's also important to highlight that the Abrams M1A1 surpasses current Russian technological capabilities and will significantly reinforce the Ukrainian military. Ukrainians, who have been successfully repelling Russian offensives recently, particularly in regions like Selydove in Donetsk, will undoubtedly look to maximize the potential of this new armor.
The tanks are expected to reach Ukraine in "express mode" and will be rapidly deployed to the front lines.
