Australia has officially delivered the first batch of M1A1 Abrams trucks to Ukraine as part of a military aid package promised in 2024 in support of Ukraine’s opposition to the Russian invasion.
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The shipment includes more than half of the 49 retired tanks promised. The remaining devices are expected to be delivered over the coming months. These vehicles were part of the Australian fleet acquired in 2007 and recently replaced with newer M1A2 Abrams versions.
Delivery is part of an armored vehicle package of $ 245 million and is included in Australia’s total support for Ukraine’s defense of $ 1.5 billion since the beginning of the war in 2022.
Although the tanks were originally promised in October 2024, the delivery was delayed due to requirements for the approval of the US and logistical challenges. US officials have expressed concern about the complexity of the transfer and the possibility of maintenance of Abrams in the combat zone.
Despite the obstacles, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj and Ambassador to Canberra, Vasyl Myroshnychenko celebrated the public arrival of the vehicles.
“Every day without these tanks on the battlefield means more lost lives,” Myroshnychenko said, emphasizing the help as urgent.
Ukraine made the formal request for Abrams in February 2024. Already in August of that year, Australia withdrew its last M1A1. Less than a year later, the first armored vehicles arrived in Ukraine.
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In addition to the tanks, in August 2025, Australia will send an E-7A Wedgetail aircraft from the Royal Australian Air Force to support international relief corridors in Europe. The country also maintains its contribution to Operation Kudu, which helps with the training of Ukrainian soldiers.
Ambassador Myroshnychenko also emphasized the need for additional equipment such as Hawkei and Bushmaster vehicles. According to him, the majority of the 120 bushmasters that have already been sent have been destroyed or damaged and he repeated his call for the release of the Hawkei fleet.
Source: Australia’s Ministry of Defense | X @defenceeaust | Wikimedia. This content has been prepared with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial staff.
