The first tranche of deliveries is likely to be part of a longer-term flow of tanks to Ukraine, experts say.
Russian forces"do not want to see Ukrainian armored formations coming at them with Abrams tanks" as the United States Department of Defense commits to speeding up deliveries of its advanced main battle tanks.. This will mean the tanks can be delivered in the fall,"faster than what was initially expected," the department added.
The M1A1 tanks will have refurbished hulls from existing U.S. inventory stocks, but will have"a very similar capability" to the M1A2,Tanks sent to Ukraine will be fitted with a 120mm cannon and a 50-caliber heavy machine gun, as well as advanced armor, he told the media. These armaments are typically seen on the M1A2, often with a 7.62 mm machine gun.
Above, U.S. Army M1/A1 Abrams tanks from Charlie company of the 464 Armored Battalion are deployed during task force maneuvers on December 18, 2002, near the Iraqi border. The M1A1 tanks with refurbished hulls sent to Ukraine will have"a very similar capability" to the M1A2, Pentagon Press Secretary Brigadier General Pat Ryder told reporters.
The impact of the M1 tanks will also depend on when they arrive where they are needed, former U.S. Army Europe commander, Lieutenant General Ben Hodges said. They are"unlikely" to benefit any Ukrainian armored counteroffensives taking place this summer, Hodges toldHowever, there will be a sustained need for Abrams for any plans around Crimea,"next phase operations and for future deterrence," he said.coming at them with Abrams tanks," Hodges said,"or to know that the U.S. is committed to long-term support of Ukraine."
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