The Australian government has completed the delivery of the first batch of M1A1 Abrams battle tanks to Ukraine — the decision on the transfer was made back in October last year. About this it is said in a statement from the Australian Ministry of Defence.
“In response to a request from the government of Ukraine, Australia is providing 49 Abrams tanks to help strengthen Ukrainians’ fight against Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion”, – the document states.
The department clarified that Ukraine has already received most of the declared combat vehicles, and the rest will be delivered in the coming months.
“The M1A1 Abrams tanks will add mobility and firepower to the Armed Forces of Ukraine and make a significant contribution to Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression. Australia remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine and seeks a just and lasting peace.”, – emphasized the Minister of Defense of Australia, Richard Marles.
As one of Ukraine’s largest non-NATO partners, Australia has been providing military support, ammunition and defense equipment since the start of a full-scale Russian invasion in February 2022.
The country’s government has decided to provide aid to Ukraine in the amount of 1.5 billion Australian dollars (about 910 million US dollars). As part of this package, the decommissioned M1A1 Abrams tanks are being transferred, Kyiv previously addressed Canberra with a corresponding request.
