Australia arms Ukraine: 49 Abrams tanks bolster defense

According to the Bulgarian Military, Canberra plans to transfer 49 M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine to strengthen its defence capabilities. The decision to supply tanks instead of troops aligns with Australia’s strategy of providing material assistance without direct involvement. The tanks Australia has retired from use aim to assist Ukraine amid battlefield challenges. While there is no confirmation of additional deliveries in 2025, analysts speculate that support might increase.

Australia's decision has been met with mixed reactions. Ukrainian officials expressed gratitude for the support, while Russian media criticised the deliveries, claiming that the tanks do not match up to Russia's modern weaponry. Additionally, experts point out that, although practical, the Abrams tanks require maintenance, which could pose a challenge for Ukraine. However, Western allies, including Australia, have pledged to support Ukrainians in training and repairs.

The M1A1 Abrams is one of the most recognisable and advanced tanks in the world, remaining a symbol of the power of American armoured forces for years. Its history dates back to the 1980s, when the US Army decided to enhance the original M1 Abrams model, increasing its firepower and resistance to contemporary threats. The M1A1 version was equipped with a new 120 mm smoothbore gun, produced under licence from the German Rheinmetall. Compared to the earlier 105 mm gun version, this significantly increased its effectiveness against armoured targets.

The M1A1 tank stands out for its strong armour. A key change from the older model was composite armour with inserts of the infamous depleted uranium, dramatically increasing resistance to anti-tank shells. This made the M1A1 Abrams one of the best-protected tanks of its era. In addition to the powerful 120-mm cannon, the tank is armed with an M240 7.62-mm machine gun and a large-calibre M2 Browning 12.7 mm. Depending on the configuration and version, it may also be equipped with active defence and advanced observation systems.

The tank's propulsion is based on a Honeywell AGT1500 gas turbine engine with 1500 horsepower, which provides it with high mobility despite its significant weight, exceeding 60 tonnes. As a result, the M1A1 Abrams can reach speeds of up to 68 km/h (about 42 mph) on paved roads and is capable of manoeuvring efficiently in difficult terrain. The running gear, based on hydropneumatic suspension, offers high stability and driving comfort, which is crucial during combat.