After Acquiring M1A2 SEPv3, Australia Could Transfer Its M1A1 Abrams Tanks to Ukraine.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald on September 20, 2024, in collaboration with the Biden administration, the Australian government is working on a plan to send 59 M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine. As the war in Ukraine continues, where Ukrainian forces struggle to compensate for material losses against a Russian army capable of quickly replacing its tanks through a robust defense industry, the question of tank supply has become critical. With losses of Ukrainian M1A1 Abrams Situational Awareness (SA) tanks, provided by the United States in September 2023, mounting, the possibility of reinforcements from other countries may soon materialize.
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Australian Army M1A1 Abrams tank firing during Exercise Gauntlet Strike in Puckapunyal. (Picture source: Australian Army)

The Russian army, supported by its defense industry, has recently received an additional batch of T-90M Proryv tanks, further strengthening its ability to maintain a steady flow of heavy equipment to the front lines. Conversely, Ukraine, dependent on military aid from its Western partners, has seen its number of M1A1 Abrams tanks decrease by half, with no additional deliveries from the U.S. scheduled in the near term.

The M1A1 Abrams is an improved version of the U.S.-designed M1 Abrams main battle tank. First produced in 1985, this tank features several upgrades over the initial version, including a new suspension system, transmission modifications, and enhanced armor protection. Its main armament is a 120mm M256 smoothbore cannon, capable of firing kinetic energy penetrator rounds with an effective range of over 3,500 meters. The tank is also equipped with two 7.62mm coaxial machine guns and a 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine gun, providing significant firepower.

The M1A1 uses Chobham composite armor, supplemented with depleted uranium plates, offering effective protection against kinetic and chemical energy rounds. It is powered by a Honeywell AGT 1500 gas turbine engine, allowing the tank to reach a maximum speed of 68 km/h with a range of 426 km. Its design also includes NBC (nuclear, biological, and chemical) protection systems, thermal night vision, and fire suppression systems, ensuring high crew safety on the battlefield.

As of late September 2024, Ukraine has received all 31 M1A1 Abrams tanks that were promised by the United States earlier in the year. (Picture source: Ukrainian Army)

Another country that could help offset Ukraine's losses is Australia. In January 2022, Canberra confirmed the acquisition of 75 M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams tanks for approximately $2.5 billion to replace the 59 M1A1 Abrams tanks in service with the Australian Army. These tanks, which had not seen extensive use, were retired in July 2024 and placed in reserve as the first M1A2 SEPv3 deliveries were imminent.

As of late September 2024, Ukraine has received all 31 M1A1 Abrams tanks that were promised by the United States earlier in the year. These deliveries were part of a U.S. pledge made in January 2023 to supply Ukraine with modern tanks to strengthen its defense against Russian forces. However, reports suggest that Ukraine has already lost at least half of these tanks in the ongoing conflict.

Kiev's interest in these decommissioned tanks is not new, but the Australian government had previously declined the request, citing the high cost of such a transfer. This same argument was used to justify the refusal to send a fleet of MRH-90 "Taipan" helicopters, also retired from Australian service to Ukraine.

However, Australia's Defense Minister, Richard Marles, appears to have reconsidered the issue and is now considering supplying the tanks to Kyiv, subject to U.S. defense export regulations.

If this transaction goes through, it could provide significant support to the Ukrainian military, which is struggling against Russia's material strength. Ongoing discussions between Canberra and Washington underscore the strategic importance of Ukraine in maintaining the balance of power in Eastern Europe.