Abrams Tanks Arrive Early To Boost Ukraine’s Counter-Offensive Efforts

Ukraine finally received the coveted Abrams Tanks last week.

In a significant development that promises to enhance Ukraine’s capabilities in its ongoing counter-offensive against Russian forces, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on September 25 that it had successfully received the first batch of American-manufactured Abrams tanks. This unexpected early delivery ensures their prompt availability for deployment in Kyiv’s ongoing efforts to push back Russian encroachment.

Initial Estimates and Shifting Delivery Timeline

The arrival of these formidable armored vehicles months ahead of the initially projected timeline is a testament to the commitment of Ukraine’s Western allies to support its defense.

President Zelensky expressed his gratitude via Telegram, stating:

“Good news… ‘Abrams’ are already in Ukraine and are preparing to reinforce our brigades. I am grateful to the allies for fulfilling the agreements! We are looking for new contracts, expanding the geography of supply.”

While the exact number of units delivered remains uncertain, US defense officials have confirmed that these initial tanks are part of the 31 Abrams M1A1 tanks that Washington had committed to providing.

The Pentagon first revealed this commitment in January of the same year, with the initial estimate suggesting a year-long timeline for delivery.

Redefining Tank Deliveries: M1A1 Abrams and Expedited Arrival

The decision by the United States to donate these Abrams tanks to Ukraine had broader implications, as it paved the way for the transfer of German Leopard tanks from European nations. Additionally, Britain contributed to Ukraine’s armored capabilities by delivering a minimum of 14 Challenger 2 tanks in the spring.

The timeline for delivery of the Abrams tanks shifted in March when the United States opted to send M1A1 Abrams tanks, utilizing refurbished hulls already present in the US inventory. This change allowed for a faster delivery schedule, with the tanks arriving in the fall ahead of the original projections.

Continued Support and Future Deliveries

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin recently announced that more American M1 Abrams tanks would soon be delivered to support Kyiv’s counter-offensive against Russia.

These newly delivered Abrams tanks will be integrated into Ukraine’s existing tank arsenal, enabling them to advance into and potentially retake areas currently occupied by Russian forces in eastern and southern Ukraine.

Strategic Deployment and Secrecy

However, it’s important to note that the deployment of these Abrams tanks to the battlefield may not occur immediately.

Ukrainian forces reportedly prioritize establishing necessary support elements and carefully planning to maximize their effectiveness. As a result, the specific locations of the tanks are expected to remain undisclosed for obvious security reasons to prevent them from becoming vulnerable to precision strikes before being fully engaged in battle.

Western Support Falls Short of Target

The arrival of the Abrams tanks is a significant achievement by Western allies, driven by persistent appeals from Ukraine.

The US military personnel initiated training for Ukrainian forces in late spring – spanning 12 weeks – to ensure proficiency in operating these advanced armored vehicles. The training took place at American military facilities in Germany, providing Ukrainian troops with in-depth instruction.

Despite the delivery of the Abrams tanks, Ukraine’s current inventory still falls significantly short of its goal.

According to Colonel Markus Reisner of Austria, who closely monitors the conflict, Ukraine had articulated a need for a minimum of 300 Western tanks to bolster its counter-offensive capabilities.

In contrast, Russia maintains a robust tank production capability, with an annual output of around 200 tanks. This glaring gap underscores Ukraine’s requirement for additional Western tanks to address the disparity in armored capabilities.

The Formidable M1 Abrams Tank

The M1 Abrams tank, known for its battlefield prowess, boasts advanced features such as the M256 120mm smoothbore gun, capable of firing armor-piercing projectiles. During Desert Storm, it demonstrated remarkable effectiveness against Soviet-made Т-72 tanks, with minimal losses. The tank has undergone multiple modernizations since then.

However, the limited number of Abrams tanks delivered is unlikely to substantially impact Ukraine’s counter-offensive efforts. Instead, the US decision to supply these tanks is viewed as a diplomatic gesture, influencing other countries like Germany to authorize the provision of additional heavy weapons and platforms to Ukraine.

Evolving Battlefield Dynamics: Drones and Vulnerabilities

Meanwhile, questions have arisen about the effectiveness of the Abrams tanks in Ukraine’s conflict, particularly in the absence of air superiority.

Concerns have been raised about their vulnerability to precision strikes from drones, which have become increasingly prevalent on the battlefield.

Gustav Gressel, a military expert at the European Council on Foreign Relations, highlighted to reporters the evolving threat landscape and the need for adaptive strategies and defenses. He emphasized that the rapid proliferation of drones has made Abrams tanks more susceptible to attacks, diminishing their potential impact on the ground.

Gressel noted that Ukraine could have gained a strategic advantage in 2022 with access to Western battle tanks, considering Russia’s limited UAV capabilities at the time. However, this advantage has waned as drone technology has advanced.

Challenges in Handling and Support

Retired Russian Colonel Sergey Suvorov, on the other hand, pointed out that the effectiveness of Western-made tanks provided to Ukraine was often compromised due to inadequate handling and support. Ukrainian forces frequently dispatched these tanks without essential precautions, leaving them vulnerable to Russian weaponry.

Suvorov explained, as reported by state media, that the Ukrainian command often dispatched Western equipment without adequate support, neglecting essential precautions like safe passage through minefields or conducting thorough reconnaissance. As a result, these tanks often found themselves vulnerable and exposed, making them easy prey for various Russian weaponry.

These are the indicative estimates of Russia’s combat losses as of Oct. 4, according to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/4sLr3RbzUm

— The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) October 4, 2023

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The early arrival of American-made Abrams tanks represents a significant development in Ukraine’s ongoing counter-offensive efforts against Russian forces. While these tanks are a valuable addition to Ukraine’s armored capabilities, they may face challenges in an evolving battlefield marked by the proliferation of drones. Nonetheless, this delivery underscores the continued support of Ukraine by its Western allies and their commitment to bolster its defense against Russian aggression.