Australia provides 49 M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine to bolster fight against Russia's invasion
Australia is providing 49 M1A1 Abrams tanks – valued at $245m – to Ukraine to help bolster its war against Russia's illegal invasion.
The first tranche of the retired tanks are now in the possession of the Armed Forces of Ukraine after they were shipped from the Port of Geelong.
Australia first purchased the fleet of 59 Abrams tanks – which were never deployed into a combat zone – in 2007.
The Australian Army has since replaced the fleet with newer M1A2 tanks.
An Australian Army M1A1 Abrams main battle tank is lifted onto a ship in Australia, bound for Ukraine. Picture: Supplied
Last year, Ukraine expressed interest in taking the M1A1 fleet after Australia refused to donate its retired fleet of Taipan helicopters – which have since been dismantled and buried – due to concerns they would be too complicated to maintain and operate.
The current $245m support package involving the M1A1 Abrams fleet is part of the $1.5bn in assistance Australia has provided to the war-torn nation since the start of Russia's conflict in 2022.
'The M1A1 Abrams tanks will make a significant contribution to Ukraine's ongoing fight against Russia's illegal and immoral invasion,' Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles, who met the army personnel who helped deliver the tanks, said.
'Australia remains steadfast in our support for Ukraine and seeing a just and lasting peace.'
The first tranche of M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks gifted to Ukraine are prepared for servicing at a port in Europe. Picture: Supplied
Part of a support package worth $245m, the tanks have been retired by the Australian Army but were gifted to Ukraine as part of its fight against Russia. Picture: Supplied
Ukraine has now taken possession of the majority of these tanks, with delivery of the final tranche to occur in the coming months.
Australia is also due to deploy a Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail to Europe to help protect a vital international gateway for assistance to Ukraine.
Since 2003, the Australian Defence Force has helped train hundreds of Ukrainian troops as part of the UK-led and based multinational training mission Operation Kudu, which continues today.
Ukrainian ambassador to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko thanks Australian Army soldiers for their efforts in loading M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks onto a ship. Picture: Supplied
'Australia stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukraine,' Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said.
'These modified M1A1 Abrams tanks will deliver more firepower and more mobility to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
'They meet a direct request from the Ukrainian government and form part of Australia's unwavering commitment to protect the global rules-based order.'
The major update follows Russia handing over the bodies of 1000 slain soldiers to Ukraine, as further peace talks between both countries appeared to break down.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Picture: AFP
Russian President Vladimir Putin. Picture: AFP
Ukraine also agreed to return the bodies of 19 soldiers to Russia as part of the agreement.
Earlier in the week, a 'very unhappy' US President Donald Trump set a 50-day deadline for Russia to reach a ceasefire deal with Ukraine, or risk tariffs that could cripple the eastern superpower.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has so far rejected calls for a ceasefire.
'The US president's statements are very serious. Some of them are addressed personally to President Putin,' Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said earlier in the week.
Originally published as First tranche of Aussie M1A1 Abrams tanks delivered to Ukraine to bolster fight against Russia
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