By the end of May, 31 U.S.-produced M1 Abrams tanks, designated for training purposes, are set to reach Germany, as informed by a U.S. defense official on Friday. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is anticipated to officially announce the delivery at today's 11th Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting, where around 50 nations are gathered to support Ukraine in its ongoing 14-month war with Russia.
These advanced battle tanks are expected to play a significant role in helping Ukraine reclaim Russian-occupied territories in the east and south. However, their contribution may not come in time to impact the country's expected spring counteroffensive. Along with the training tanks, another shipment of 31 M1A1s, modified to fit Ukrainian requirements, is scheduled to arrive on Ukrainian battlefields by year-end.
Approximately 250 Ukrainian soldiers will undergo a 10-week course to learn tank operation and maintenance once the tanks reach Germany. This training, set to begin in mid-June, will be provided by the American 7th Army Training Command. Following the initial 10 weeks, the Ukrainian forces can choose to receive further training in advanced combat maneuvers.
Initially, the Biden administration expressed concerns over the maintenance challenges of these tanks for Ukrainian troops but reversed its stance in January. The decision to supply the tanks has encouraged other nations to contribute similar systems. Recently, the Netherlands and Denmark announced plans to donate 14 refurbished Leopard 2 tanks in early 2024.
In total, coalition members have supplied more than 230 tanks and over 1,550 armored vehicles. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg highlighted the importance of providing consistent ammunition, fuel, and support to ensure the effective use of this heavy equipment in the long term.
The Ukraine Defense Contact Group has collectively provided over $55 billion in military aid to Ukraine since its first meeting a year ago. Over 11,000 Ukrainian soldiers have either completed or are undergoing infantry training by U.S. forces in Germany.
At this week's meeting, the contact group prioritized improving Ukraine's air defenses, supplying ammunition, and enhancing logistics and maintenance support. U.S.-made Patriot surface-to-air defensive missiles have arrived in Ukraine, as announced by Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov on Wednesday.
Reznikov is now working to secure additional equipment for Ukraine, including fighter jets. Although Poland and Slovakia have donated Soviet-style MiG-29 fighter jets, and the UK and Poland have offered pilot training, the Biden administration remains hesitant about supplying F-16 Fighting Falcon jets or A-10C "Warthog" attack planes.
Since the Russian invasion began on February 24, 2022, Ukraine's Defense Ministry claims its troops have killed over 185,000 enemy forces. U.S. and European defense officials estimate that number to be around 200,000 troops, in addition to 100,000 or more Ukrainian forces.
