Abrams Tanks: Heavy Firepower Earmarked for Ukraine

Earlier this year, the U.S. and several NATO allies pledged to provide Kyiv with advanced main battle tanks. Ukrainian tank crewmen are finally preparing to train to use M1 Abrams tanks in Germany, doubtless providing a boost to the country’s counteroffensive.

In addition to the Abrams, British Challengers and German Leopard 2s are expected to lead Kyiv’s armored corps.

The White House hesitated to deliver newer Abrams variants to Ukraine, as production times would be lengthy. Instead, the U.S. agreed to transfer refurbished M1A1 variants.

Ukrainian personnel will train on Abrams MBTs at the Grafenwoehr Training Area. U.S. Army National Guard units and Ukrainian units already train together at this location.

Over the last few weeks, around 250 Ukrainians arrived in Germany, according to Voice of America. M1 Abrams tanks are expected to arrive in Kyiv by the fall.

Ukraine’s tank crewmen will first learn how to operate the Abrams, maintain them, and maneuver them in a combined arms fight. The arrival of the Abrams will not mark the first vehicle transfer provided by America. 

Since Russia’s invasion began in February 2022, the U.S. has shipped Bradley fighting vehicles and Stryker vehicles to Ukraine. The Abrams training process is likely to mirror previous U.S.-led training on these armored vehicles.

A Brief Overview of the Abrams M1 MBT:

The third-generation M1 Abrams MBT has contributed four decades of service in the U.S. armed forces without being replaced. Chrysler Defense (currently General Dynamics) developed the vehicle to replace the M60 Patton, which had earned recognition for its performance during the Vietnam War.