The Australian government announced on Saturday that it delivered the first batch of Abrams battle tanks to Ukraine as part of the $160 million military aid package allocated to Kyiv to help the country’s war efforts.
Defence Minister Richard Marles said Kyiv has received most of the 49 tanks pledged by Australia and the remainder will be delivered in the coming months, without giving the exact number of remaining tanks. Marles said the tanks would contribute to “Ukraine's ongoing fight against Russia's illegal and immoral invasion.” “Australia remains steadfast in our support for Ukraine and seeing a just and lasting peace,” the defence minister stressed.
Australia pledged to give Ukraine 49 Abrams tanks worth $245m last October. In another attempt to help Ukraine in the nearly four-year-war with Russia, Australian government has banned the export of alumina and aluminium ores, including bauxite to Russia and imposed sanctions against nearly 1,000 Russian individuals and entities.
Being one of Ukraine’s largest non-NATO allies, Australia has been supplying military assistance, including military ammunition and defence equipment since Russia’s full-fledged invasion over three years ago. “Australia stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukraine, has committed more than $1.5bn to aid Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in February 2022,” said the defence industry minister, Pat Conroy.
Australia’s delivery of Abrams tanks came amid Russia’s record high missile and drone attacks targeting civilians. According to the United Nations human rights office, June marked the deadliest month for civilians in more than three years. Ukraine will also receive US-made Patriot air defence systems in the coming weeks, according to European officials. The delivery of Patriots followed US President Donald Trumps’ announcement of more military aid to Kyiv.
