Ukrainian forces instill fear with US‑provided M1A1 Abrams tanks on the Russian front line

The M1A1 Abrams tanks have been engaged in Ukrainian combat for at least a month now, as demonstrated by the Ukrainian Armed Forces through a piece of footage featuring these war machines from the elite 47th Mechanized Brigade. This unit has previously fought near Avdiivka, and is currently resisting Russian forces at the front line near Kupyansk.

The US Department of Defense announced in January 2023 that they would deliver 31 M1A2 Abrams tanks to Ukraine. The original plan was to purchase new M1A2 Abrams tanks using the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative funds, but ultimately, the Ukrainian Armed Forces received upgraded M1A1 versions.

As the Ukrainian media and military bloggers have reported, the M1A1 Abrams tanks have been a significant source of trouble for the Russians. The presence of these tanks is believed to be causing fear among the occupiers. The Ukrainian forces have previously received Leopard 2A5, Challenger 2, and Stridsvagn 122 tanks from the West, but the service induction of the Abrams in September heightened tensions.

Russian media widely quoted a scientist from the Military Academy of Sciences, Vladimir Prokhatilov. He claimed that the American tanks were ill-equipped for warfare in Ukraine and would be easy targets for the Russians. He further highlighted what he believes to be the shortcomings of these war machines, despite them being considered among the best tanks globally. His "scientific" arguments are, to put it mildly, outlandish.

The M1A1 Abrams is the oldest Abrams variant still used by the US Army. This is an upgraded model of the basic M1 Abrams tank, the first of which was produced by General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) in 1985.

This tank features improvements from its predecessor, including an upgraded suspension, revised gearbox, enhanced armor, and a redesigned turret mount. The latest versions of these machines are currently serving in NATO armies.

According to the Army Recognition website, 4796 M1A1 Abrams tanks were built for the US army, 221 for the US Marine Corps, and 880 in a co-production with Egypt. Despite Moscow's attempts to distort reality, Russian tanks stand little chance against the Abrams. This is why they are feared so much in the Kremlin.