Australia is delaying the transfer of decommissioned M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine as part of a $245 million military aid package due to resistance from the United States, which has not yet granted permission for the export of the armored vehicles.
This was reported by ABC News, citing representatives of the Australian Department of Defense, according to Ukrinform.
More than six months after the donation of the M1A1 Abrams was first announced, the aging army vehicles are still awaiting final clearance to be shipped overseas
Last month the ABC first reported on complications with the planned transfer of the American made tanks after U.S. President Donald Trump placed a temporary freeze on military assistance to the war-torn nation.
Now defense figures with knowledge of the situation claim the process is facing further uncertainty because formal permission that must be given by the U.S. before the M1A1 vehicles can be handed over to another nation has not yet been granted.
“We are starting to doubt if the Ukrainians actually want these vehicles — the tank roof is the weakest point of the Abrams and this is a drone war,” said one defense official. “There is also the concern that with a possible peace deal looming it would be embarrassing to have the tanks on board ships in the middle of the ocean, and there is also a lack of ranked personal that are necessary to babysit the assets at sea.”
The Pentagon last year cautioned Australia against donating the aging tanks because of the logistical expense and difficulties around maintaining the vehicles inside Ukraine.
In a statement, a Department of Defense spokesperson told the ABC: “Australia remains on target to meet the delivery of the M1A1 Abrams in 2025, the M1A1 export process remains ongoing. Defense continues to work with the Ukrainian government in line with agreed arrangements for the gifting, including on delivery and sustainment.”
Australia’s now retired fleet of 59 M1A1 Abrams tanks were purchased in 2007, but have never been deployed in a combat zone. They are being replaced by the newer M1A2 battle tank that boasts a 120-millimeter cannon.
In October 2024, it was announced that dozens of Abrams tanks would be sent to Ukraine as part of Australia’s $245 million military aid package.
Photo: Australian Defense Force
Source: Australia delays transfer of Abrams tanks to Ukraine due to lack of US approval – media
