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Australia has now delivered the majority of its retired Australian Army M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks to Ukraine, with delivery of the final tranche to occur in the coming months.
Australia has pledged to provide 49 Abrams tanks to the country in its fight against Russian forces. The first tranche of tanks was previously loaded onto a commercial vessel in Australia on 7 May this year.
The support package, valued at approximately $245 million, is part of the $1.5 billion in assistance Australia has committed to Ukraine since the start of the conflict.
“The M1A1 Abrams tanks will make a significant contribution to Ukraine’s ongoing fight against Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion,” said Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles.
“I was pleased to meet the Australian Army personnel who helped facilitate the delivery of these tanks from Australia to Ukraine.
“Australia remains steadfast in our support for Ukraine and seeing a just and lasting peace.”
It’s understood that negotiations to transfer the tanks took months to complete and were assisted by Ukraine-based defence consultant JC Dodson.
Ukrainian ambassador to Australia and New Zealand, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, confirmed that the Abrams tanks had arrived in the country.
“The majority of the 49 M1A1 Abrams tanks, generously gifted by Australia, have now arrived in Ukraine. The final delivery is expected in the coming months,” he said.
“On behalf of the government of Ukraine and every Ukrainian heart, I express our deepest and most sincere gratitude to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and DPM Richard Marles MP; this powerful gesture of solidarity is more than military support; it is a lifeline, a message that we are not alone in our darkest hour.
“As we continue to defend our land, our people, and our future from brutal Russian aggression, we are reminded that the fight for freedom, dignity, and justice is a shared one. Together, we stand for all those who believe in democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
“Let this united stand serve as a warning to all who threaten peace: the free world will not be broken.”
In August, Australia will deploy a Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail aircraft to Europe to help protect an international gateway for assistance to Ukraine.
The Australian Defence Force also continues to contribute to multinational efforts to train Ukrainian military personnel under Operation Kudu.
“Australia stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukraine. These modified M1A1 Abrams tanks will deliver more firepower and more mobility to the Ukrainian Armed Forces,” said Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy.
“They meet a direct request from the Ukrainian government and form part of Australia’s unwavering commitment to protect the global rules-based order.”
