Ukraine's Abrams tanks get game-changing upgrade, ready for combat

Abrams tanks arrived in Ukraine several months ago but only headed to the front lines in February 2024. These machines are a rare sight in combat. Yet, a report by the Army TV channel sheds light on these tanks' pivotal role in the conflict.

The M1 Abrams tank, acclaimed as one of the world's best, owes its reputation to formidable firepower, courtesy of the M256 smoothbore cannon, which has a caliber of 120 mm. Its variant boasts remarkable durability for the American market, largely due to armor incorporating depleted uranium.

Given its value, the Ukrainians exercised caution in deploying Abrams tanks on the frontline. These tanks, seen as precious assets, were initially used for reconnaissance. Thanks to an advanced vision system, the M1 Abrams can spot an enemy from about 5 miles away, far outstripping Soviet-era models in terms of detection range and making it an invaluable asset for targeting and fire direction.

However, tactics evolved, and the Abrams was deployed to the front. Within days, the Russians targeted these American tanks, resulting in the loss of six units. Consequently, the Ukrainians now deploy the M1 Abrams with utmost caution, so footage of these tanks in action is scarce. Nonetheless, a recent report by the Army TV channel, shared by the Ukrainian Front profile on the X platform, features the M1 Abrams, unveiling a surprising interior modification.

The American Abrams tanks, tailored for Ukraine, feature notably different armor. Unlike the US Army versions that use depleted uranium, these have been upgraded with tungsten plates and the additional ARAT-1 armor from the TUSK package to reduce enemy fire damage.

Moreover, as highlighted in the Army TV report, interior changes have also been made. While training for the Abrams is conducted in English and all controls are labeled in English, the tank featured in the report has controls labeled in Ukrainian.

This adaptation has a simple yet profound impact, enabling the crew to respond more swiftly in critical situations, even though they understand English. It removes the language barrier from high-pressure scenarios.

In the report prepared by Army TV, the Ukrainians also commend the Abrams' maneuverability. Its 1500 HP power unit propels the tank to speeds exceeding 43 mph. The soldiers additionally highlight the gun's exceptional stabilization as a noteworthy feature.