Photo: U.S. Army
Australia has begun delivering M1A1 Abrams tanks to the Ukrainian Armed Forces – the first of the promised 49 combat vehicles have already been loaded onto a ship and shipped to Europe. This was reported by ABC News, citing government sources.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese officially informed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy about the start of the delivery during a meeting in Rome. According to ABC journalists, Australia has confirmed that the tanks are on their way, but for security reasons, it is not disclosing the route and exact date of arrival.
What is known about the delivery:
- Number of tanks: 49 units M1A1 Abrams
- Status: the first tranche has been sent
- Source of equipment: American production
- Export permit: received from the USA
- Purpose: to strengthen the armoured capabilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
“We have worked closely with Ukraine and the US to ensure that everything happened on time. The tanks are on their way, but I’m not going to disclose any details,” said Australian Defence Minister Richard Ma This is the first time Australia has supplied tanks to a third country as part of international security cooperation. Prior to the shipment, Canberra received permission from Washington, as the vehicles were manufactured in the United States.
