Australia will donate almost 50 American Abrams tanks to Ukraine

Australia will donate 49 American Abrams tanks to Ukraine, which will soon be retired, the Australian media agency ABC News reported on October 16, citing Defense Industry Minister Pat Conroy.

The delivery follows a controversy that erupted in early 2024 when media reports emerged that the Australian military had decided to quietly dismantle and bury its fleet of Taipan multi-role helicopters, even though Kiev had sent an official request for their transfer to Ukraine.

Conroy told reporters that “it’s time to move on” on the Taipan helicopters and gave no indication that the decision to give Ukraine the Abrams tanks was related to backlash over their failure to deliver them.

The tanks will be delivered as part of a larger A$245 million ($163 million) military aid package.

“These tanks will provide the Ukrainian Armed Forces with greater firepower and mobility and will complement the support provided by our partners to the Ukrainian armored brigades. Australia has steadfastly supported Ukraine,” Conroy said.

Ukraine’s ambassador to Australia Vasyl Myroshchenko said the delivery of the tanks was a “significant contribution” that would be “an essential part of our land defense.”

Since the beginning of the full-scale war, Australia has provided more than $1 billion in aid to Ukraine, including $866 million in military aid.

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