Ukraine is already using Australian M1A1 Abrams tanks on the front line.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky announced this during a meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

The President thanked the Australian leader for supporting Ukraine and emphasized that the Abrams tanks are already helping Ukrainian soldiers defend the country.

They also discussed further support for Ukraine and the participation of the Australian military in the coalition of the willing.

Illustrative photo of Australian M1A1s. Photo credits: Australian Defence Force

“Thank you for the comprehensive support from Australia, for the Abrams tanks that are helping our soldiers defend Ukraine. It’s good that we have allies from different continents,” emphasized President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky.

Overall, Australia has announced the transfer of 49 M1A1 AIM-SA tanks to Ukraine, which had been used by the country’s army from 2007 to 2024 as part of two armored regiments.

Although the Australian government approved the transfer of these tanks, the process was somewhat delayed, according to Australian media, due to the suspension of U.S. military aid to Ukraine in March 2025 and the subsequent halt of operations at the logistics hub in Poland.

In addition, the representatives of the Australian Department of Defence also partly blamed the United States for the delay, as the formal approval that the U.S. must provide before Abrams tanks can be transferred to another country had not been granted.

Illustrative photo of Australian M1A1 tanks. Photo credits: Australian Army

It should be noted that before being shipped, the tanks of this type must undergo light repairs and the removal of systems considered classified by the Australian Army. As of March 2025, the vehicles were still undergoing the dismantling of systems used exclusively by the Australian military.

The transfer of an additional 49 Abrams tanks to Ukraine will bring the total number of these tanks delivered to around 85 units, including the 31 Abrams tanks previously provided by the United States.

If you want to learn more about the use of Abrams tanks in combat in Ukraine, we recommend checking out the article “The First Abrams in Combat in Ukraine.”

Also, check out the armored warfare roundup from Militarnyi with Mykola Salamakha, where we also discuss Abrams.