The United States is reportedly delaying the transfer of Abrams tanks from Australia to Ukraine, raising fresh concerns about the flow of promised military aid as the war against Russian aggression continues. According to Australian broadcaster ABC and as reported by UNN, the batch of older model tanks initially pledged by Australia has not been sent, with US resistance playing a role in the holdup.
Unnamed officials in the Australian Defence Department suggested that the delay is not only due to American reluctance but also because of concerns about the usefulness of the tanks on Ukraine’s current battlefield. A defence representative, speaking anonymously, questioned the tanks’ vulnerability in the drone-dominated war environment. “We are starting to doubt whether the Ukrainians really want these tanks. The roof of the tank is the weakest point of the Abrams. There is also a drone war going on,” the official said.
Another factor influencing the delay is uncertainty about the geopolitical situation. With discussions of a potential peace treaty circulating, officials fear the tanks could be rendered unnecessary or be stuck in transit if a ceasefire is declared mid-shipment. The tanks may not reach Ukraine at all, becoming stranded en route. Complicating matters further, reports note a shortage of properly trained personnel capable of maintaining and operating the tanks, especially under complex frontline conditions.
Despite these setbacks, Ukraine continues to supply a significant portion of its frontlines with equipment produced by its own defence industry. Approximately 40 percent of all military hardware used on the battlefield now originates from domestic production.
