CANBERRA, Australia: Australia will provide 49 M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, fulfilling a request made months ago. The aging tanks, valued at AU$245 million ($163 million), are part of Australia’s military support to Ukraine.
Defence Minister Richard Marles explained that the decision came after assessing the tanks’ potential impact on the battlefield, ensuring they could be sustained and maintained effectively in combat.
This donation is part of Australia’s broader military assistance to Ukraine, which now totals over AU$1.3 billion ($866 million) since Russia’s 2022 invasion. The tanks will be replaced by next-generation M1A2 models in Australia. Marles rejected claims of a policy reversal, stating that the government continuously evaluates how best to assist Ukraine.
Ukraine’s Ambassador to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, praised the announcement, calling it timely and essential for Ukraine’s defense. This aid aligns with earlier efforts by the United States, which pledged 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine in January 2023.
