In 2024, Australia approved the transfer of 49 Abrams tanks to Ukraine as part of a $245 million military package.
Australia has delivered the final batch of M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, completing its earlier pledge, ABC reports, citing the Australian Defence Force.
ABC noted that in 2024 the Australian government decided to send Ukraine 49 M1A1 Abrams tanks retired from the Australian Army. They were part of a $245 million aid package. Australia purchased 75 newer M1A2 SEPv3 tanks to replace them.
While it was no secret that Ukrainian forces would receive Australian tanks, the route used to get them to Ukraine was kept strictly classified. Moving 60-ton combat vehicles halfway around the world in secrecy posed major logistical challenges.
The first Australian M1A1 Abrams entered service with Ukraine’s military in the summer of 2025. The army initially received 37 of the tanks, followed by another 12. All are operational and ready for combat.
Features of Australia’s M1A1 Abrams
- Australia bought 59 U.S.-made M1A1 Abrams tanks in 2007. They were used extensively by the Australian Army but had never seen combat. Before shipment to Ukraine, they were upgraded in the United States to the M1A1SA-UKR standard.
- The Abrams in Ukrainian service are fitted with factory-installed ARAT-1 explosive reactive armor, using M19 modules to defeat shaped-charge munitions. The first Abrams delivered to Ukraine did not have this protection. The tanks also received new armor designed specifically for Ukraine.
- Legacy communications and battle management gear appear to have been removed and replaced with a modern SCWS fire-control system. It integrates a remote weapon station and the commander’s independent thermal viewer, boosting the tank’s combat effectiveness. With this setup, the M1A1 resembles the newer M1A2 variant.
- The Armed Forces of Ukraine have been operating M1A1SA-UKR tanks for more than two years. Some have fought for months and proven effective.
