Australia and the US collaborate to provide decommissioned Abrams M1A1 tanks as Ukraine fights Russian aggression.
The Australian government is working with the Biden administration on a plan to send American-made Abrams M1A1 tanks to Ukraine, as the country continues its defense against Russian aggression.
Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles confirmed that discussions with the Ukrainian government are ongoing, exploring several options for delivering the tanks. Officials have indicated that Marles is reviewing how to navigate US defense export regulations for the transfer.
Australia had previously ruled out providing these tanks to Kyiv. However, in July, the country decommissioned 59 Abrams M1A1 tanks, which had never been used in combat, and are now being replaced with newer models. Originally purchased for AU$550 million (US$340 million) in 2004, these tanks are equipped with cannons and machine guns.
Michael Shoebridge, a former senior Australian defense official, emphasized the urgency of the transfer, stating,
“These tanks are still in good shape. The Ukrainians are fighting a war for national survival, so we should get them there as soon as we can.”
Ukraine had earlier requested the country to join nations such as the US, UK, Poland, and Germany in supplying tanks to bolster its defense.
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