Australia to gift 49 ageing battle tanks to Ukraine, bringing total contribution to value of $1.5 billion

Nearly 50 tanks will be sent to Ukraine in a further Australian contribution to the nation’s fight against Russian President Vladimir Putin., the Federal Government will confirm on Thursday.

The Government is gifting 49 M1A1 Abrams tanks — valued at about $245 million — that are nearing the end of their working life.

It will bring the total value of Australia’s military contribution to more than $1.3 billion since the full-scale war started in early 2022, and $1.5B overall.

Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Minister Pat Conroy will officially confirm the transfer with his Ukrainian counterpart at the NATO Defence Ministers Meeting in Brussels.

Some of the heavy main battle tanks will either need to be repaired or can be delivered to Ukraine faster and used for parts.

Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles said the gift showed Australia had not “wavered” in backing Ukraine and promised we would continue our support.

“This is the latest support package which the Albanese Government has announced, taking our overall commitment support to Ukraine to more than $1.5 billion,” Mr Marles said.

Mr Conroy said Australia stood “shoulder-to-shoulder” with Ukraine in fighting Russia’s illegal invasion.

“These tanks will deliver more firepower and mobility to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and complement the support provided by our partners for Ukraine,” the minister said.

“As we face a challenging geostrategic environment, it is important that we continue to work together with our partners around the world to deter aggression and coercion and protect the global rules-based order.”

A small number of the tanks will stay with the Australian Army, which is transitioning to a fleet of M1A2 tanks.

The new tanks feature upgrades including an independent thermal viewer and weapon station for the vehicle’s commander.

The announcement comes as Ukraine orders the evacuation of a city in its northeast Kharkiv region amid an ongoing Russian assault.

Ukraine had previously launched a stunning counterattack in the area, but Russian forces have been slowly advancing in recent months.

The conflict is also a flashpoint in the upcoming US election, as former president Donald Trump promotes a more isolationist foreign policy.

Mr Trump has promised to end the war within hours of winning the election, a pledge some have interpreted as a plan to give into Russia’s demands.

Vice President Kamala Harris has repeatedly promised to “stand with” Ukraine, as well as America’s NATO allies in Europe.