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Australia has confirmed delivery of all 49 M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks to the Armed Forces of Ukraine under previously announced military assistance.
The majority of the M1A1 tanks were handed to Ukraine in July 2025 and are already in use, according to Defence.
A final delivery was made in December this year, with the latest main battle tanks meeting a direct request to Australia from the government of Ukraine.
“The M1A1 tanks equip Ukraine with the capability it needs to defend itself against Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion. The delivery of the M1A1 Abrams tanks represents our support to Ukraine and our commitment to uphold the global rules-based order,” according to a public statement from Australia’s Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group.
“Thank you to our people from the Australian Defence Force and Public Service as well as contracted organisations working across Australia, at sea, and in Europe who supported the delivery from Geelong through to Ukraine.”
As was announced in January 2022, the Australian Army M1A1 Abrams are to be replaced by the M1A2 fleet. To support the transition, the Australian Army will retain a small number of M1A1 Abrams tanks to assist the introduction of the new M1A2 fleet.
“These tanks will deliver more firepower and mobility to the Ukrainian Armed Forces and complement the support provided by our partners for Ukraine,” Australian Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said.
“As we face a challenging geostrategic environment, it is important that we continue to work together with our partners around the world to deter aggression and coercion and protect the global rules-based order.”
