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Australia and Ukraine Confirm Delivery Timeline for Abrams Main Battle Tanks.
Australia and Ukraine have finalized the timeline for the delivery of M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks, according to Richard Marles, the Deputy Prime Minister of Australia. This announcement follows the Australian government's commitment to providing 49 M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine as part of a military assistance package valued at approximately $245 million, which was initially revealed on October 17, 2024.
The M1A1 Abrams tanks are part of a transition plan for the Australian Army, as they will eventually be replaced by the more advanced M1A2 Abrams fleet. (Picture source: US DoD)
During an ABC radio interview on March 4, 2025, Marles reaffirmed Australia’s ongoing support for Ukraine, stating, "We will continue to support Ukraine, as we’ve said. And we stand with Ukraine so that this conflict can be resolved on Ukraine’s terms."
Regarding the delivery of the Abrams tanks, Marles clarified that while specific details of the timeline could not be disclosed for operational reasons, the delivery would occur within an agreed-upon timeframe. "They’ll definitely arrive in a timely fashion, and they’ll arrive in a time frame that we’ve agreed with Ukraine," he explained. "This has been agreed with Ukraine, and they’re very grateful for the contribution."
The M1A1 Abrams tanks, renowned for their robust defense capabilities, are expected to significantly enhance the Ukrainian Armed Forces' operational readiness. These tanks, which have been a vital asset to the Australian Army, offer strong protection against enemy fire and improvised explosive devices, and will provide Ukraine with similar strategic advantages.
The M1A1 Abrams tanks are part of a transition plan for the Australian Army, as they will eventually be replaced by the more advanced M1A2 Abrams fleet. To facilitate this transition, Australia will retain a small number of M1A1 tanks to assist in the integration of the new M1A2 vehicles.
In addition to the Abrams tanks, Ukraine has shown interest in acquiring other equipment from the Australian Defence Force. In late 2024, Ukrainian Ambassador to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, confirmed the country's interest in the Australian Army's retiring Eurocopter Tiger attack helicopters, which are slated for withdrawal by 2028. Although the Australian government has decided not to supply the Taipan helicopters, there remains the possibility of other capabilities being made available to Ukraine in the near future.
"We’d be interested in having that conversation about something that will help," Ambassador Myroshnychenko said during a press conference concerning the shipment of Kord Defence equipment to Ukraine.
Australia’s continued military support to Ukraine underscores the strategic partnership between the two nations in addressing the ongoing conflict, with both parties committed to strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities.