On July 19, Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal announced that the majority of a 49-tank shipment of the M1A1 Abrams units pledged by Australia has already been delivered to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The remaining vehicles are expected to arrive in the coming months, marking another tangible step in Ukraine's ongoing efforts to bolster its military capacity amid russia's full-scale invasion.
The tanks are part of a broader military assistance package worth $245 million, which Australia committed as part of its support for Ukraine. This aid is nested within a larger $1.5 billion contribution that Canberra has allocated since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, encompassing both military and humanitarian aid.
Read more: Australia Loadings American Abrams Tanks for Ukraine: How Many Will There Be, When to Expect Them on Battlefield
While the exact model of the tanks has not been officially disclosed in this statement, previous Australian aid packages have included the Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles and the M113 armored personnel carriers. Australia has also committed to training Ukrainian personnel and supplying non-lethal military support, reflecting a consistent long-term engagement with Kyiv.
Denys Shmyhal expressed gratitude to the Australian government, emphasizing the importance of solidarity during a time of existential threat.
"This is a significant reinforcement and a demonstration of Australia's firm commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine in these challenging times," he said during the announcement.
The delivery aligns with Ukraine's broader strategy of replacing battlefield losses and modernizing its armored fleet to sustain resistance on multiple fronts. As the war drags on, Western-provided armor plays a critical role in both defensive operations and planned counteroffensives.
As Defense Express previously, paratroopers of the 79th Separate Air Assault Tavrian Brigade express considerable affection for Australian Bushmaster armored vehicle, calling it one of their most beloved pieces of equipment. Their high regard is based on key characteristics that make this machine indispensable on the battlefield: comfort, reliability, and significant firepower.
The soldiers lovingly call the Bushmaster vehicle their "armored kangaroo", highlighting its unique capabilities.
Read more: Delays in Australian M1 Abrams Transfer to Ukraine Show the Problem is Much Deeper
