Australia delivers first Abrams tanks to Ukraine
The initial consignment of Australian tanks has been delivered to the Ukrainian army.
The announcement was made on Saturday, July 19, on the website of Australia's Department of Defence. Australia had previously pledged to provide Ukraine with 49 Abrams tanks, valued at $245 million.
Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles stated that the tanks would bolster Ukraine's firepower and supplement other military equipment donated by allies to help repel Russia's invasion.
"Australia remains steadfast in our support for Ukraine and in our desire to see a just and lasting peace," Richard Marles told The Guardian.
Most of the tanks have been delivered, with a final tranche expected in the coming months, though exact numbers haven't been released.
The delivery faced multiple delays. Australia had initially promised to deliver the tanks to Ukraine as early as 2024, according to DW. At the time, Australian broadcaster ABC reported the shipment comprised 59 decommissioned American M1A1 Abrams tanks. These tanks were acquired in 2007 and had never seen combat. Australia is replacing them with more modern M1A2 tanks.
In April 2025, ABC reported that the United States was blocking Australia's delivery of the American tanks to Kyiv. According to journalists, even Australian military personnel had reservations about the suitability of these deliveries, as the Abrams tank turret is vulnerable to aerial strikes, making them less ideal for battles involving drones.
In May, it was revealed that Washington had given Canberra the green light to deliver the retired tanks to Kyiv. The number of units had subsequently dropped to 49.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
