US hands over M1A1 SA Abrams tanks to Ukrainian Armed Forces

In the winter of 2023, the USA officially announced the transfer of M1A2 Abrams tanks to Ukraine. Later it became known that Ukraine would receive older M1A1 fighting vehicles. It seems that the version has been finally decided.

Here's What We Know

The M1A1 Abrams tank exists in several variants, including the M1A1 SA, which is in service with the US Army. It is this version of the fighting vehicle that will be sent to Ukraine.

Such a statement was made by US Undersecretary of Defense Gabe Camarillo. American engineers will refurbish the hulls of the tanks and equip them with 120 mm guns and 50 calibre machine guns.

It is likely that the M1A1 SA Abrams for Ukraine will receive the same armour as the tanks for export. Combat vehicles with armour that uses depleted uranium are not supplied to other nations.

The new plan by the US Department of Defence means that Ukraine will receive the tanks faster than planned. The M1A1 SA Abrams will be delivered by the fall of 2023, while the M1A2 Abrams M1 Abrams may not reach Ukraine this year - US Army needs more than a year to find the tanks to prepare and deliver.

Source: Defence News