Ukrainian forces intentionally destroy own Abrams tank to prevent capture
According to Forbes, during operations in the Kursk region of Russia, the Ukrainian army destroyed one of the few remaining American Abrams M1A1 tanks still in service. It appears that this action was intentional.
As explained by American war correspondent David Axe, who was writing for Forbes, the incident took place on January 5 during a large Russian assault involving approximately 50 armored vehicles. Ultimately, the attack failed the Russians, primarily due to drones used by the Ukrainians.
Ukrainians destroy Abrams in Kursk region
One of the drones hit a disabled Abrams M1A1 tank belonging to the 47th Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian army. Footage of the incident appeared on social media.
David Axe explained in his article that the attack on the disabled Abrams M1A1 tank might have been intended to prevent it from falling into Russian hands. The tank may have been stuck in a location that made safe evacuation impossible, making it preferable to destroy it rather than let the Russians capture it. Such actions have been observed on the front lines before, with both sides sometimes opting for this approach in the ongoing war.
Valuable tank in service with Ukrainians
Ukraine received 31 Abrams M1A1 tanks as part of an aid package from the United States. However, data presented by the creators of the Oryx blog, which aims to document equipment losses by the warring parties in Ukraine, indicates that the Russians have already eliminated 18 American tanks. Some have been destroyed or damaged, but several units were captured and taken to Russia. This is the worst-case scenario from the West's perspective, as it allows the Russians to examine the Abrams design closely.
The Abrams M1A1 is equipped with a 120 mm cannon and 12.7 mm and 7.62 mm machine guns. Ukrainians value these tanks for their significant firepower and advanced fire control systems. Although the Abrams weighs around 66 tons, its engine boasts 1,500 horsepower and can reach speeds of over 40 mph.
David Axe emphasized that the United States has refused to provide Ukraine with additional Abrams tanks. However, this does not mean that such reinforcements won't appear on the front line. Several dozen Abrams tanks that are being phased out of service will be sent to Ukraine by Australia.
