Abrams tanks.Photo: Getty Images
Transfer of Abrams tanks
Australia will provide Ukraine with 49 Abrams tanks as part of the latest military aid package worth $245 million. These outdated American-made vehicles will help strengthen Ukraine’s defence capabilities in the war against Russian aggression. This was reported by ABC News.
The importance of military assistance
This decision comes more than a year after Kyiv first expressed interest in the tanks. At the time, Australia refused to transfer its Taipan helicopters, but now the government of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed the transfer of the Abrams.
Australian Defence Minister Pat Conroy, attending a meeting of NATO defence ministers in Brussels, said that these tanks would significantly increase the mobility and firepower of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Australia’s position on Ukraine
“We stand with Ukraine in its just struggle against Russia’s illegal invasion,” Conroy said, adding that this military assistance is part of the international community’s joint effort to protect the global rules-based order.
Condition of tanks before shipment
The first of 75 new M1A2 tanks received by Australia in recent weeks will replace an aging fleet of M1A1 tanks that have never been used in combat. The vehicles will require some repairs before they can be shipped, although some could be quickly sent to Ukraine for use as spares or for other purposes.
Response from the Ukrainian ambassador
Ukrainian Ambassador to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko welcomed the decision to transfer the Abrams, stressing that these tanks will save lives and strengthen Ukraine’s defence.
“This is a significant contribution to our fight. We already have experience in using such vehicles, and this will help the Ukrainian military to better prepare for the defence of their positions,” the ambassador said.
Total amount of military aid
The latest aid package brings the total amount of Australian military support to Ukraine to over $1.3 billion, while total government support has exceeded $1.5 billion.
