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Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles has ruled out donating Australia’s fleet of 59 M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks to the armed forces of Ukraine.
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The Ukrainian government and Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov are finalising a formal request for the Australian Army vehicles, which are due to be replaced with US-made M1A2 tanks next year, according to unverified comments published by the ABC.
Pouring cold water on the possible gift, the Minister for Defence said a decision to donate the main battle tanks to Ukraine is “not on the agenda” while speaking at a doorstop interview in Jakarta, Indonesia, earlier this month.
“We’re working with Ukraine very closely to make sure that we are providing practical assistance which is making a difference and we announced recently a $50 million contribution to the fund operated by the UK in support of Ukraine,” he said.
“(Donating Abrams tanks to Ukraine) is not on the agenda. But we will continue to be working closely with Ukraine, talking with them about how we can best support their needs, because it is absolutely essential that Ukraine is able to resolve this conflict on its terms, and we understand that it will be protracted.
“We’ve been saying that for a long time now and we will stay with Ukraine for as long as it takes.”
The comments coincide with speculation regarding the destruction of the first American-made M1 Abrams tank in Ukraine. Imagery is circulating online of a burning Abrams main battle tank, allegedly operated by the Ukrainian 47th Mechanized Brigade, destroyed by explosive Russian unmanned aerial vehicles on 26 February.
Leopard 2 and M1 Abrams third-generation main battle tanks are in operation in Ukraine, after being supplied by NATO allies last year.
The supplied M1A1 Abrams tanks were upgraded with refurbished hulls and refitted with advanced weapon systems, 120mm cannons, and 50-calibre heavy machine guns from US inventory, according to statements made by the US State Department in March 2023.
In addition, the US Department of Defense has also recently announced progress is continuing on training the Ukrainian Air Force to operate, service, and maintain F-16 fighter jet aircraft, after an Air Force Capability Coalition Steering Group met on 21 February this year.
“AFCC members coordinate to meet the requirements to ensure Ukraine receives a fully functional F-16 capability, including Denmark’s initial donation of aircraft in the summer of 2024, and other allied donations later this year,” said Department of Defense spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Garron Garn.
“The AFCC reaffirmed its unwavering support to help Ukraine protect its skies.”
