Ukraine is set to receive additional weapons and equipment contribution from the Australian and US governments, to strengthen its military efforts in response to Russia’s invasion.
Australia has pledged to supply Ukraine with 49 M1A1 Abrams tanks.
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This commitment, valued at around A$245m ($164.05m), is part of Australia’s ongoing military assistance to Ukraine, which now totals to more than A$1.3bn since the conflict’s escalation.
The tanks are expected to enhance the firepower and mobility of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, adding to the support provided by other partner nations to Ukraine’s armoured brigades.
Australia Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said: “Australia’s support for Ukraine has not wavered since Russia’s illegal invasion, and Australia will continue standing with Ukraine.
“This is the latest support package which the Albanese Government has announced, taking our overall commitment support to Ukraine to more than A$1.5bn.”
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By GlobalDataDefence Industry and Capability Delivery Minister Pat Conroy will confirm this support at the NATO Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Brussels.
The M1A1 Abrams tank is an upgraded version of the American-made M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank.
Australia’s decision to supply these tanks follows the planned replacement of the Army’s M1A1 fleet with the newer M1A2 model.
A small number of M1A1 tanks will be retained by the Australian Army to facilitate the transition to the M1A2 fleet.
Additionally, the Australian Defence Force is contributing to multinational efforts to train Ukrainian military personnel under Operation Kudu.
Separately, the US has announced a $425m assistance package from Department of Defense stocks, including various weapons and equipment to support Ukrainian forces.
This US package features munitions for National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS), RIM-7 and Stinger missiles, air-to-ground munitions, ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWVs); Javelin, AT-4, and other anti-tank systems; Tube-Launched, Optically-Tracked, Wire-Guided (TOW) missiles; light tactical vehicles and more.
It also encompasses cluster munitions, and small arms, among others.
