Australian Abrams tanks in service with the 425th "Skala" Regiment of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The tanks retain their camouflage, allowing them to be distinguished from American deliveries.
URGENT UPDATE: Australian-donated M1A1 Abrams tanks are now actively deployed in combat operations against Russian forces in Ukraine. These second-hand tanks, modified with advanced anti-drone protections, have been spotted near the Russian-held city of Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast, intensifying efforts to liberate occupied territories.
Recent images from the battlefront show the 49 M1A1 Abrams tanks equipped with additional passive armor and explosive reactive armor blocks on critical sections. To combat the escalating threat from FPV drones, Ukrainian crews have ingeniously added improvised anti-drone “hoods” crafted from fishing nets. This tactical adaptation highlights the urgent need for effective defense against aerial threats.
The tanks are now in service with the 425th “Skala” Regiment of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, having recently arrived from Australia. Despite their age, these vehicles retain their distinctive Australian camouflage, differentiating them from the newer American M1A1 deliveries.
Over recent days, Australian M1A1 tanks have seen active combat as Ukrainian forces push back against Russian troops striving to capture Pokrovsk—a crucial logistics hub in President Vladimir Putin’s campaign for the industrial Donbas region. A recent battlefront video captured the aftermath of one modified Australian Abrams, showing it destroyed and abandoned, underscoring the harsh realities of warfare in this region.
Earlier this month, the Australian Defence Force confirmed the completion of the delivery of these tanks, valued at approximately $245 million, as part of a larger commitment exceeding $1.7 billion in total Australian support since the onset of Russia’s invasion. This includes more than $1.5 billion in military aid alone.
Colonel James Smith, who oversees the ADF’s Operation Kudu in Europe, described the logistics involved in transporting the tanks: “It is a huge undertaking to bring a 60-tonne tank halfway across the world and ensure that when we give it to our Ukrainian friends, it is ready to use.” The tanks were shipped to Europe aboard a commercial cargo vessel earlier this year, though the delivery faced challenges due to temporary halts at a US-funded logistics facility in Poland.
The urgency of these developments cannot be overstated. As Russian forces intensify their efforts in Donetsk, the deployment of these Australian tanks represents a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. The presence of modified combat vehicles enhances Ukraine’s defensive capabilities, particularly against the growing threat of drone warfare.
As the situation evolves, all eyes will be on the effectiveness of the Australian tanks in frontline engagements and their impact on the broader military strategy in Ukraine. The world watches closely, hoping for a swift resolution to this ongoing crisis.
