Australia has announced that it will be giving 49 aging M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, following a request from Kyiv. The Defense Minister, Richard Marles, revealed the decision on Thursday, stating that the tanks, valued at 245 million Australian dollars, will be replaced in Australia by a fleet of 75 next-generation M1A2 tanks.
Initially, in February, Marles had ruled out the possibility of donating the tanks to Ukraine as they were phased out. However, he clarified that this recent decision did not signify a reversal of his government’s previous stance. Marles explained that discussions with the Ukrainian government led to the conclusion that the Abrams tanks met the criteria of effectiveness, suitability, and maintainability to support Ukraine’s needs.
Ambassador Vasyl Myroshnychenko of Ukraine to Australia commended the decision, describing it as timely and well-suited for their requirements. He refrained from commenting on the criticisms from opposition lawmakers who argued that the tanks should have been donated earlier, emphasizing the importance of the announcement.
This contribution of tanks marks an extension of Australia’s military assistance to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in 2022, bringing the total value of support to over AU$1.3 billion. Notably, the United States had also agreed to send 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine in January 2023, following a vigorous campaign by Kyiv highlighting the tanks’ significance in confronting Russian forces.
The move by Australia to donate the aging tanks underscores the ongoing international support for Ukraine in the face of external threats. The collaboration between Australia and Ukraine in the military sphere reaffirms the solidarity between the two nations in times of need.