First Batch of Abrams Tanks From Australia Delivered to Ukraine

The Australian government has officially handed over the first batch of M1A1 Abrams tanks to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

This was reported on the website of the Australian Department of Defense.

This batch is part of a military aid package worth approximately $245 million. In total, Australia will provide Ukraine with 49 tanks in response to a direct request from the Ukrainian government.

The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine also noted that most of those tanks had already arrived in Ukraine, and the rest would be delivered in the following months.

According to Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, Abrams tanks “play an important role in enhancing the mobility and firepower of Ukrainian forces fighting Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion.”

It should be noted that earlier Australian media reported that the delivery of Australian tanks to Ukraine had been delayed. The reasons for the delays were cited as both lengthy US approvals for the transfer of tanks and the shutdown of the logistics center in Poland in February 2025.

Nevertheless, the tanks were delivered and will complement the armored fleet of the Ukrainian Defense Forces.

In addition, Australia is also planning to send an E-7A Wedgetail long-range radar detection aircraft from the Royal Australian Air Force to Europe in August to strengthen the protection of important air routes that deliver aid to Ukraine.

At the same time, the Australian military continues to train Ukrainian soldiers as part of the multinational Operation Kudu mission.

Despite Australia’s distance from Ukraine, the government is fully aware of the difficult situation the Ukrainian state is in.

“The delivery of Abrams is part of Australia’s unwavering commitment to justice, peace and the protection of global order,” said Australian Defense Minister Pat Conroy.

Earlier, Militarnyi reported that the President had thanked the Australian leader for supporting Ukraine and emphasized that Abrams tanks were already helping soldiers defend the country.