**Abrams Tanks to Ukraine Stuck in Limbo: Washington Resistance and Unnamed Officials’ Comments Spark Delay**
A fleet of decommissioned US-made Abrams tanks promised to Ukraine by Australia has not yet been delivered, with the main obstacle being resistance from Washington. According to a report by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) on April 28, defense officials have revealed that the US must grant formal permission before the vehicles can be handed over to another country.
The tank delivery was initially scheduled for October last year as part of a broader military aid package. However, despite Australia’s pledge to send 49 M1A1 Abrams tanks, they remain stuck in storage in Australia. Defense officials spoke to the ABC anonymously, citing concerns that the US government had warned Australia against sending the tanks before the package was announced.
**Complexity and Concerns**
One defense official expressed doubts about whether Ukraine actually wants these vehicles, given the ongoing drone war with Russia. “The tank roof is the weakest point of the Abrams,” the official said. This concern has been echoed by Western officials who have questioned the effectiveness of Abrams tanks on the battlefield in Ukraine.
Additionally, there are concerns that a possible peace deal between Russia and Ukraine might render the tank delivery embarrassing, especially if they were to be transported across the ocean with no one to “babysit” them at sea. These issues have led some to wonder whether the promised tanks will ever reach Ukraine.
**Previous Debates Over Tank Effectiveness**
The Associated Press (AP) reported in April 2024 that Ukrainian forces had pulled Abrams tanks from the front lines due to their high risk of detection by Russian drones. However, the Ukrainian military denied these claims, stating that the tanks “are doing a great job on the battlefield.”
**Australia’s Stance**
Despite the delays and concerns, Australia remains committed to delivering the M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine in 2025. A ministry spokesperson told the ABC that the promised delivery is still on track for next year.
The situation surrounding the transfer of these tanks highlights the complexities involved in military aid packages and the need for coordination between nations. As Abbey Fenbert, a senior news editor at the Kyiv Independent, notes, “The effectiveness of any military aid package depends on various factors, including the needs of the recipient country, the capabilities of the donor country, and the potential impact on regional dynamics.”
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