US delivers refurbished M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine: Ukrainian soldiers spot oldest model on front line

The US Department of Defense announced in January 2023 that it would send 31 M1A2 Abrams tanks to Ukraine. The original plan was for the United States to acquire new M1A2 Abrams tanks using Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative funds.

However, in March, the Pentagon decided to switch to providing refurbished M1A1 Abrams tanks from its own stockpile, significantly reducing the delivery time. Pentagon Press Secretary, Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, reassured that the M1A1 variant to be supplied to Kiev will exhibit "very similar capabilities" to the M1A2.

The M1A1 SA Abrams tank currently serving with the 47th Mechanized Brigade has now made an appearance on or near the Avdiivka front.

Interestingly, in May, Ukrainian soldiers began their training on American Abrams tanks at the military range in Bavarian Grafenwoehr. Altogether, around 200 soldiers from the Ukrainian operational forces were educated in tank operation, tactics, and medical training.

The M1A1 Abrams is the most basic and oldest version of the Abrams used by the US Army. This model is an upgrade of the initial M1 Abrams tank. The first M1A1 tank, manufactured by General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS), was rolled out in 1985. This model featured several improvements from its predecessor, including an updated suspension, a modified gearbox, superior armor, and a redesigned turret mount.

The Army Recognition website reports that a total of 4796 M1A1 tanks were built for the US Army, along with 221 for the US Marine Corps, and another 880 produced in collaboration with Egypt.