US opposition impedes Australia's delivery of Abrams tanks to Ukraine – media reports indicate
Pouring Cold Water on Australia's Abrams Tank Promise to Ukraine
Source: Broadcaster ABC
Situation: The Aussie government has a stash of 59 unwanted M1A1 Abrams tanks, bought in 2007, that never saw combat action. These tanks are about to be replaced by sleeker M1A2 battle tanks, boasting a 120-millimeter gun.
First, some turbulence in sending the tanks arose last month when the U.S. President, at that time, Donald Trump, halted military aid to Ukraine. Now, our backroom boys in the defense sector who have the inside scoop on the situation, tell us that the transaction is complex because the U.S. sign-off needed for transportation to another country is still not in place.
One anonymous defense official couldn't help but chuckle, "It's like offering a brick shithouse in a drone fight. The roof of the Abrams is its weakest point, mate!"
Last year, the Pentagon had even cautioned Australia against unloading these old tanks due to logistical costs and maintenance difficulties in Ukraine. But, an Australian defense ministry spokesperson brushed off those concerns, saying, "We're keen as mustard to send these war horses to Ukraine by 2025. The M1A1 export process is cruising along."
"Our defense department is still playing ping-pong with the Ukrainian government as planned, working out the supply and maintenance logistics in accordance with our deals," the spokesperson added in a statement.
Background: In 2024, it was guessed that Australia would ship these old Abrams tanks, nearly retired, to Ukraine as part of a $245 million aid package. Transfers of Aussie "Abrams" to a foreign land need U.S. approval, thanks to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).
Additional Insights: The delivery of M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine is stuck in limbo due to a few hindrances. The major roadblock lies in obtaining formal U.S. approval for exporting U.S.-made defense equipment to third countries, according to data[2][5]. Furthermore, there seems to be resistance from Uncle Sam, which could be amplified by the temporary military aid freezer to Ukraine, although this detail is somewhat fuzzy due to references to actions by a former U.S. President[1][2]. However, a key point to remember is that U.S. government authorization is crucial for such transfers.
Regarding the broader $245 million aid package, initially announced in 2024 by the Aussie government, Australia promised to hand over 49 decommissioned M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine[2][3]. Despite the pledge, the tanks are yet to leave Aussie soil[1][5]. Advice has been raised about the battlefield viability of the Abrams tanks for Ukraine's current conflict landscape, which is increasingly leaning towards drone warfare. Defense officials have doubted Ukraine's genuine interest in receiving these tanks, given the Abrams' vulnerable roof[2][5].
In essence, the shipment of the Abrams tanks is on hold, and the wider aid package's fate is uncertain due to these holdups. While Ukrainian forces hunger for more armored systems, the delivery of the M1A1 Abrams tanks remains pending U.S. approval and collaboration[3][5].
- The Australian government's agreement to transfer 49 decommissioned M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine for the year 2025 remains uncertain, due to the lack of formal U.S. approval required for exporting U.S.-made defense equipment to third countries.
- Despite the vulnerability of the Abrams tanks' roof, which a defense official likened to a drone fight, the Australian defense ministry remains optimistic about the transfer, ambitiously planning for the logistics of the supply and maintenance of these tanks.
- The political landscape, with the temporary freeze on military aid to Ukraine and the previous U.S. President's actions, could potentially create further resistance to the transfer of these M1A1 Abrams tanks.
- As the year 2025 approaches, the conversation around war-and-conflicts, politics, and general news continues to revolve around the debate about the usefulness of sending tanks like the outdated Abrams to Ukraine in the face of emerging warfare technologies like drones.
