By Olawale Abaire, Warrior Contributor
In a historic first, Russian forces seized an American M1A1 Abrams tank on April 28, 2024, near Berdychi, Ukraine. The tank, which had sustained significant damage, including internal burnout, was hauled away by two BREM-1 recovery vehicles due to its hefty weight of nearly 67 tonnes. This event marks the first time an Abrams tank has fallen into the hands of the Russian Armed Forces in Ukraine, as confirmed by the Russian Ministry of Defense.
The captured American tank will join a wider array of NATO and Ukrainian equipment in an exhibition named “Dead Iron” at Moscow’s Poklonnaya Hill. The exhibition, set to open on May 1, 2024, and run throughout the month, will showcase a variety of military hardware, including Bradley M2A2 and CV9040 infantry fighting vehicles and a Leopard 2A6 tank.
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Russian engineering and repair groups meticulously managed the recovery and transportation of these pieces. The process began with an initial engineering survey to ensure the safety of personnel and equipment. The tanks were then moved to a repair facility, where they are currently undergoing restoration, including the replacement of tracks, some elements of the electrical systems, and other major parts.
The tank, operated by Ukraine’s 47th Mechanized Brigade, was initially immobilized by a Lancet drone and then hit by an anti-tank guided missile (ATGM). The operation was carried out by the Russian 15th Separate Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade, also known as the Black Hussars, and resulted in the disablement of the tank and the reported death of the tank’s driver. It is speculated that this is the same tank later captured by the Russian forces.
Additional details reveal that the detection and engagement of the Abrams tank were coordinated by a drone operator from the Black Hussars, using the call sign “Rassvet”. The tank was moved along Tsentralnaya and Mira streets heading northeast towards Stepove, about one and a half kilometers from the forward Russian positions. Following the destruction of the tank, the Russian 15th Separate Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade publicly acknowledged the operation’s success on their Telegram channel.
Even a heavily damaged and burnt M1A1 Abrams tank holds value for military engineers. The structure and materials of the tank can offer crucial insights into its manufacturing techniques and armor composition. This information can help understand the tank’s vulnerabilities and strengths, which is beneficial for developing defensive tactics and enhancing the design of their own armored vehicles.
Moreover, any surviving components — such as optical systems, communication equipment, and engine parts — are of interest for technical analysis. These components can assist in assessing the technological standards of U.S. military hardware and identifying potential vulnerabilities, especially in the areas of electronic warfare and cybersecurity. The study of such equipment also supports strategic military planning and has a significant propaganda impact on the Russian population, reinforcing capabilities and morale through the demonstration of technical recovery and examination prowess.
The M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank, an updated variant of the original M1 Abrams, was produced by General Dynamics Land Systems from August 1985 to early 1993. The primary weapon system of the tank is the 120mm M256 smoothbore cannon, which boasts the ability to launch a range of ammunition variants. This encompasses the M829A1 APFSDS-T round, equipped with a depleted uranium penetrator that maintains effectiveness up to a distance of 4,000 meters, and the M830 High Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) round, apt for targeting fortified objectives up to 3,000 meters distant. The M1A1 can house 40 rounds of 120mm ammunition, stowed within the turret and hull. It also sports a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun, an auxiliary 7.62mm machine gun affixed on the turret, and a 12.7mm Browning M2 HB machine gun positioned on the commander’s hatch.
In terms of protection, the M1A1’s armor integrates Chobham composite materials and depleted uranium plates, designed to defend against various ballistic and explosive threats.
OLAWALE ABAIRE is a Warrior researcher, writer and analyst who has written many published nonfiction books
