Australia‘s Brave Move: Sending Tanks to the Ukraine Front!
Well, isn’t this just a fine kettle of fish? Australia is giving Ukraine 49 of its old Abrams tanks—because nothing says “support” like sending off what amounts to a hand-me-down from your granddad’s shed! It’s like donating your old VHS player to a streaming service; might be nostalgic, but not exactly high-tech!
A Blast from the Past: The Abrams Chronicles
So here’s the deal: these Abrams M1A1s, which are older than your average dad joke—built in the 1980s and spruced up in the early 2000s—are being sent over to help Ukraine defend against the rampaging horde from Moscow. Apparently, this is a brilliant strategy… if you’re impressed by the fact that they’re still kicking after all these years, much like the cast of a long-running soap opera.
But let’s keep it real. Ukraine has been losing considerable tank numbers lately, and they need to replenish their armored ranks, ideally with something that doesn’t creak louder than your uncle’s back on Christmas morning. Despite this, the delivery looks like it’s set to be slower than a snail on holiday, as Australia waits on replacing these relics with their shiny new M1A2 models. It’s like waiting for the next iPhone launch but in military-sized dosages!
Counting Tanks: A Sad Game of ‘Who’s Lost What’
Oh, and speaking of losses, you’d think it’s the World Cup, but instead, it’s a grim tally of tanks! According to Oryx, at least 16 of those shiny U.S. Abrams have already been turned into scrap metal. And what about the poor Leopards and Challengers? They’ve been having their own unfortunate encounters as well. Picture a game of “musical chairs,” except when the music stops, you’re left with an anti-tank mine. Ouch!
And here comes the cherry on top: Kim Jong-un is sending over North Korean soldiers. That’s right! Who needs clowns in the circus when you have a roster like that? No pressure, guys!
International Law: The Fine Print on Tanks
So what’s the caveat? Australia has given Ukraine a free pass on how to use these tanks, with one tiny catch: international legal rules. That’s right—no joyrides across Russia’s borders or anything cheeky like that. Can you imagine the conversation? “Hey, could you not just waltz in and ‘borrow’ some of Putin’s finest?”
Australia’s Armaments Minister Pat Conroy has made it clear: these tanks are for the defense of Ukraine, and just to add some flair, they’re making this handover without any “conditions.” How charming! It’s like saying, “Feel free to eat my snacks as long as you don’t get crumbs on the couch.”
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, one has to admire the gall of Australia partners in this bold yet slightly comical move. Sure, it’s a noble contribution, and in dark times like these, every little bit helps! But can we take a moment to appreciate the absurdity of sending 49 vintage tanks into a modern battlefield? Only time will tell if they can withstand the test of time—and the incendiary devices of their foes!
Next time someone asks if you’re in need of a new vehicle, just remember: it’s not just about the horsepower, it’s about the historical value too!
PressSplit
Against Vladimir Putin’s attack: Australia is providing the Ukrainian armed forces with most of its remaining Abrams main battle tanks.
Kiev – So now: After much back and forth, Australia is providing Ukraine with 49 old Abrams main battle tanks from its army stocks to defend itself against the attack by the Moscow regime from Russia, which violates international law.
Ukraine tank losses: Several M1A1 Abrams were lost against Russia
Kiev can thus replenish its tank ranks in the Ukraine war after its own significant losses in recent months, although this will probably take some time before it is handed over. Specifically, 49 Abrams M1A1s built in the 1980s and overhauled at the beginning of the millennium are to go to the Ukrainians, in line with the 31 American M1A1s that the Ukrainian armed forces received in 2023.
Like the open source intelligence website Oryx However, as noted in its October 17 listing, at least 16 of the U.S. Abrams delivered by that date had been destroyed in battles with Kremlin autocrat Vladimir Putin’s invading forces.
A Ukrainian Abrams remained on the battlefield in Donbass, apparently stopped by an anti-tank mine. (Archive photo) © IMAGO / SNA
Losses in the Ukraine War: Many Western tanks such as the Leopard 2 are among them
Also listed as destroyed, left behind badly damaged and/or captured by the Russians are: 13 Leopard 2A6s from former Bundeswehr stocks, 21 Leopard 2A4s once built in Germany, three comparatively old Leopard 1A5s and two Challenger 2s delivered from Great Britain as well as seven made available Swedish main battle tank Stridsvagn 122 based on the Leopard 2A5.
Supplies are therefore urgently needed, while on Putin’s side the Russian soldiers are getting older due to the high losses and even North Korean ally Kim Jong-un has had to send soldiers. Australia had blocked itself for a long time despite Ukrainian requests. The USA has given Australia permission to deliver the old tanks to Ukraine, said Armaments Minister Pat Conroy. In return, they will be replaced by 75 next-generation M1A2 tanks in Australia.
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Tanks for Ukraine: Abrams delivery from Australia is likely to take longer
The delivery of the M1A1 tank is likely to take a long time because the Australian armed forces still have to wait for their new device. Conroy said Australia placed no special conditions on Ukraine’s use of the tanks or whether they could cross the Russian border “as long as they are used in accordance with international legal rules.”
The Australian Army currently has 59 Abrams M1A1s in its halls. The country is not part of NATO, but is closely linked as a partner to the Western defense alliance. According to the Bundeswehr’s understanding, a battalion with around 1,200 soldiers usually has 46 battle tanks, which is why the announced Abrams delivery would theoretically be enough for an entire battle group. (pm)