Ukrainian Soldiers Train in Germany on Abrams, Prep to Attack Russia With Abrams “This Fall”

By Kris Osborn, President, Center for Military Modernization

Soviet-era T-72, British Challenger 2s, Leopard 2s and now US-designed Abrams tanks will all be attacking Russian forces in support of Ukraine’s counteroffensive, developments which could further push Ukrainian forces into Russian held territory.

Existing heavy armor in the form of Strykers, Bradleys and several allied tanks have likely already had a huge impact with Ukraine’s latest advances as tactics have shifted from what was primarily a defensive, anti-armor posture using Javelins and other tank-destroying weapons, 

Pentagon officials say as many as 31 Abrams tanks will arrive in Ukraine at some point this Fall, after Ukrainian soldiers finish training on the tanks and preparing for war in Germany. Approximately 500 Ukrainian soldiers are performing Combined Arms Maneuver with Abrams tanks in Hohenfels and Grafenwoehr training areas in Germany. 

“We expect the tanks to be arriving in Ukraine sometime in the fall,” Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh told reporters recently, according to a DoD transcript. 

Along with learning about the procedures, tactics and strategies needed to attack Russian forces with Abrams tanks, Ukrainians will also learn how to sustain the Abrams. 

“You’ve heard us talk about the fact that the M1 is a complex machine that requires a lot of maintenance to sustain it and keep it operating. So that will be crucial, which is why we’re doing the training in stride with the actual refurbishment of the tanks,” Pentagon spokesman Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder told reporters recently, according to a Pentagon transcript.