Australia retires old tanks, considers aiding Ukraine with new models

Australians are decommissioning the last of their M1A1 Abrams tanks, reports the Defense Express portal. Next year, these will be replaced by newer models—the M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams. This rearmament of the Australian army opens up opportunities to bolster the military forces in Ukraine.

The Australian Ministry of Defense announced that by the end of July 2024, the last M1A1 Abrams tank, stationed at the Brisbane base, will be retired from service. Simultaneously, Australia plans to move its new machines, whose deliveries are scheduled for 2025, to the north. The M1A2 SEPv3 tanks are set to be stationed at the Townsville base.

Removing 59 Abrams tanks from the army presents an opportunity for Ukrainians, who have long been monitoring the program for replacing Australian tanks with new ones from the U.S. In 2023, Ukrainian diplomats officially appealed to the Australian government to transfer older machines to Ukraine (including decommissioned MRH-90 Taipan helicopters).

Defense Express reminds us that the distant country has refused Kyiv's requests. Australia responded "with organizational arguments," one of which was that the decommissioned Abrams tanks would first need to be sent to the U.S. for repairs before being transferred to Ukraine. Specific details remain lacking—Australia has not made a final decision. Still, it has refrained from transferring the 59 Abrams tanks, which could augment the fleet of 31 such tanks already sent to Kyiv (though some have already been destroyed).

Which specific tanks has Australia decommissioned? These are M1A1 Abrams tanks, the same ones transferred to Ukraine. However, the Australian equipment includes the Situational Awareness modernization package, which enhances the vehicles with improved thermal cameras for the gunner. Moreover, Abrams tanks from Australia are distinguished by the Far Target Locate system, which enhances the identification and recognition of enemy units and improves armor.

The 120 mm M256 cannon and 12.7 mm and 7.62 mm machine guns ensure these vehicles' offensive capabilities. The M1A1 Abrams tank weighs about 63 tons, but this substantial weight is compensated by a 1500 HP power unit (a gas turbine capable of running on virtually any fuel), allowing the tank to reach a maximum speed of 42 mph.