Australia has officially delivered the first tranche of M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks to Ukraine, marking a major milestone in its ongoing support of the war-torn country’s defense against Russia’s invasion.
The shipment, valued at $245 million AUD, includes 49 M1A1 Abrams tanks retired from the Australian Army and shipped from the Port of Geelong. These tanks were part of a fleet purchased by Australia in 2007 but never saw combat. They’ve since been replaced by upgraded M1A2 models.
The tanks are part of a broader $1.5 billion AUD aid package committed by Australia to Ukraine since the Russian invasion began in 2022.
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles welcomed the development and met with personnel who assisted with the tank transfer.
“The M1A1 Abrams tanks will make a significant contribution to Ukraine’s ongoing fight against Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion,” said Marles.
“Australia remains committed to helping Ukraine achieve a just and lasting peace.”
The tanks are already being prepped for deployment at a European port, and the final deliveries will be made in the coming months.
Ukraine had earlier shown interest in acquiring the tanks after Australia refused to donate its fleet of retired Taipan helicopters, which were later dismantled due to maintenance concerns.
Australia will also deploy a Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail surveillance aircraft to Europe to safeguard key supply routes to Ukraine.
The delivery is part of Operation Kudu, a UK-led multinational mission under which Australian Defence Force personnel have trained hundreds of Ukrainian troops since 2003.
Ukrainian Ambassador to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko expressed deep gratitude, thanking Australian soldiers for their role in preparing and loading the tanks.
Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said:
“These modified M1A1 Abrams tanks will deliver more firepower and mobility to Ukraine’s Armed Forces. They meet a direct request from the Ukrainian government and reaffirm our support for a rules-based international order.”
The military aid announcement comes amid rising global tensions. Russia recently returned the bodies of 1,000 Ukrainian soldiers, while Ukraine agreed to return 19 Russian soldiers in a somber exchange.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stern 50-day ultimatum to Russia to negotiate a ceasefire or face potential trade tariffs.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has so far rejected ceasefire efforts, prompting a warning from Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, who called Trump’s statement “very serious.”
The conflict, now in its third year, shows no sign of abating, but Australia’s move underscores ongoing international support for Ukraine’s sovereignty.
