The United States plans to send Abrams tanks to Ukraine starting in September, Politico reported, citing multiple officials familiar with the discussions. The news marks the clearest timeline to date for delivery of the US main battle tank.
Officials say a small number of Abrams will be sent to Germany in August for final refurbishments. Once ready, the first batch of 6-8 tanks will go to Ukraine the following month. In total, the US intends to provide 31 Abrams tanks.
Older M1A1 models are being supplied instead of more advanced M1A2 variants, which would take over a year to get operational. Ukrainian troops are currently training in Germany on the tanks they will receive, according to the media.
“The tanks are not new; instead, the older vehicles are being stripped of their most sensitive technology, including in some cases secret depleted uranium armor, before they can be sent to Ukraine,” Politico reported, citing officials.
Pentagon spokesperson Col. Martin O’Donnell confirmed preparations are underway to “get them to Ukraine as fast as we can,” without specifying dates.
The Abrams’ armor and firepower could aid Ukraine’s counteroffensive against entrenched Russian defenses. But US officials caution progress will be difficult. Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. Mark Milley said the offensive “will be slow” and “come at a high cost,” Politico wrote.
The tanks can likely be repaired at the Abrams repair center that is slated to open in Poznan, Poland.
The tanks are likely to arrive with depleted uranium rounds, according to the WSJ.
