Logistical problems delay possible transfer of Abrams and Leopard tanks to Ukraine – Politico
23 September, 2022 M1A2 SEP v3 Abrams. Photo credits: US Military Ukraine is urgently asking its allies to hand over modern tanks in order to speed up the liberation of territories occupied by Russia.
Currently, the US and Germany have been hesitant to provide the M1 Abrams and Leopard 2 tanks, in part due to the training and logistics challenges involved. Politico reported about this referring to its own sources. The tanks have shot to the top of Ukraine's wish list.
After all, the Armed Forces of Ukraine are increasing their advantages in Donbas after the liberation of a large part of the Kharkiv region from the invaders. The publication notes that the request took on new urgency this week after Russia announced mobilizing additional troops for the combat in Ukraine.
M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams tanks.
2018. Photo credits: General Dynamics Land Systems
The more modern American-made M-1 Abrams and German-made Leopard tanks would add a powerful punch that could help Armed Forces of Ukraine capture and hold more ground, compared to the old Soviet-era tanks the defenders of Ukraine currently operate, say experts and Ukrainian advisers. But top national security officials in both countries have hesitated to provide the tanks, in part due to the training and logistics challenges involved.
The publication notes that the M-1 tanks are a completely different system than the Soviet-era tanks Ukraine currently operates, and require significant maintenance and logistics support. "It's a pretty high hurdle to get Ukraine not only U.S.-made tanks but the parts to maintain them," said one U.S. official, who like others interviewed for this article spoke on condition of anonymity. According to him, now it is not worth handing over equipment that may break down or will not operate due to lack of gasoline.
For the immediate fight, the Leopards might be a better fit because they are similar to the tanks Ukraine already operates and require less fuel than the Abrams, the official said. But Germany has repeatedly rejected Ukraine's request for the tanks.
Leopard 2A4 tank. Photos from open sources
NATO countries have been providing Ukraine with Soviet-era tanks and fighting vehicles over the course of the conflict, led by Poland, which donated about 250 T-72 tanks.
As previously reported, the United States might be supplying Ukraine with modern tanks.
However, first, the Ukrainian servicemen should learn to use and maintain them.
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