Captured US Abrams M1A1 Tank of Ukrainian Army Displayed by Russia at Victory Day Park Near Moscow.

During an open public day at Victory Day Park near Moscow, the Russian armed forces displayed a captured American Abrams M1A1 Main Battle Tank (MBT), which the United States donated to the Ukrainian Army as part of the support provided following the invasion by Russian troops in February 2022.
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During an open public day at the Victory Day Park near Moscow, the Russian armed forces displayed a captured American Abrams M1A1 Main Battle Tank of the Ukrainian army. (Picture source Vitaly Kuzmin)

The delivery of M1A1 Abrams tanks by the United States to Ukraine marked a significant milestone in the country's ongoing conflict with Russian forces. The United States began supplying these advanced tanks as part of its military aid to bolster Ukraine's defenses. The M1A1 Abrams, renowned for its superior firepower, armor, and mobility, is a significant upgrade from the Soviet-era tanks that Ukraine had been using.

The delivery of M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine was a carefully planned operation that began in September 2023. U.S. officials announced that 31 of these Main Battle Tanks have been supplied to bolster Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression. The first batch of tanks arrived in Ukraine in late September, and the delivery was completed by mid-October 2023. This comprehensive effort was part of a broader U.S. military aid package, which also included essential spare parts and ammunition to support the operational readiness of the tanks​.

The M1A1 Abrams is equipped with a 120mm M256 smoothbore cannon, which is capable of firing a variety of advanced munitions, including armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) and high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) rounds, allowing it to engage a wide range of targets effectively. In addition to its main gun, the M1A1 features a coaxial 7.62mm M240 machine gun and a 12.7mm M2HB heavy machine gun mounted on the turret, providing substantial secondary firepower. The tank's advanced fire control system, including a laser rangefinder and thermal imaging sights, ensures high accuracy and effectiveness in targeting stationary and moving targets under various conditions​ (Army Recognition)​​ (Army Recognition)​.

In terms of protection, the M1A1 Abrams is renowned for its advanced composite armor, which includes depleted uranium layers that significantly enhance its resistance against kinetic and chemical energy threats. The tank's mobility is powered by a 1,500-horsepower AGT1500 gas turbine engine, offering exceptional speed and maneuverability on and off the road. This engine allows the Abrams to reach speeds of up to 72 km/h (45 mph) on road and around 48 km/h (30 mph) off-road. The robust armor, powerful armament, and superior mobility make the M1A1 Abrams one of the most modern main battle tanks in the current modern military arsenals​.

Despite the arrival of the American-made Abrams M1A1 tanks, the conflict's unpredictable nature meant that not all equipment could be safeguarded from capture. In a notable incident in early 2024, Russian forces managed to capture the first Ukrainian M1A1 Abrams. This event occurred during a fierce battle in the eastern regions, where intense combat resulted in the tank being isolated and subsequently seized by Russian troops. The capture of the M1A1 Abrams was a propaganda victory for Russia, showcasing their ability to overcome advanced Western-supplied weaponry.

The capture of the first Ukrainian M1A1 Abrams by Russian forces in early 2024 raised valid concerns about the potential for reverse-engineering or studying the tank's advanced technology. This could potentially compromise some of its strategic advantages. However, the delivery of the M1A1 Abrams to Ukraine remains a crucial element of Western support, aimed at ensuring Ukraine remains capable of defending its territory against ongoing aggression.