Australia to send batch of Abrams tanks to Ukraine

Dozens of Australian Abrams tanks will be sent to Ukraine as part of a new $245 million military support package from Australia.

That is according to ABC news, Ukrinform reports.

Australia’s Defense Industry Minister Pat Conroy, who is attending a NATO defense ministers meeting in Brussels this week, stated: "We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukraine in their fight against Russia's illegal invasion. These tanks will deliver more firepower and mobility to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and complement the support provided by our partners for Ukraine's armoured brigades — Australia has been steadfast in our support for Ukraine."

In recent weeks, Australia has received the first of its 75 newer M1A2 tanks, which will eventually replace the army's fleet of 59 older M1A1 vehicles that have never been used in combat.

Australia's transfer of its aging Abrams to a "third country" has required permission from the United States under its International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) despite Washington last year sending 31 of its own M1A1 tanks to Ukraine.

As Australia's older M1A1 vehicles are reaching the end of their life, a small number will require remediation work before being delivered to Europe, or they could simply be sent quickly to Ukraine and used for spare parts or other roles.

The Australian government has previously rejected Ukraine's request to transfer its Taipan helicopters, which will simply be written off and buried, and Conroy said it was "time to move on” from the controversy over the decision.

The latest announcement will bring the total value of Australia's military assistance to Ukraine since the start of the war to more than $1.3 billion, while overall government support now tops $1.5 billion.

As Ukrinform previously reported, Australia is deeply concerned about North Korea's illegal arms sales to Russia and the exchange of nuclear and space technologies between Iran and Russia.

Photo: Richard Bumgardner