Ukraine Looks to Australia for M1A1 Abrams Tanks and Taipan Helicopters

28 February, 2024 Illustrative photo of Australian M1A1s. Photo credits: Australian Defence Force. The Ukrainian ambassador and the co-chair of the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organizations called on the Australian government to provide Abrams tanks and Taipan helicopters.

They also urged for increased financial assistance in the field of defense, as reported by Breaking Defense. These statements were made at Canberra's National Press Club, to an audience that included Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles. "Yes, at this rate we can slowly keep going.

But is that acceptable? For how many years should this war drag on?" Ukrainian ambassador Vasyl Myroshnychenko said. He added that to defeat Russia's invasion, hanging on is not enough.

Kateryna Argyrou, the co-chair of the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organizations, a non-governmental organization, pushed for non-material aid as well.

Illustrative photo of Australian M1A1s. Photo credits: Michael Rogers

Argyrou argued it would be better for Ukraine to make its own risk assessments, rather than Australia's Defense Department. "From my last two years of work advocating for more military aid for Ukraine, it is evident that the biggest hand brake is hesitancy in the Department of Defense," she emphasized.

She said the Ukrainian community in Australia-- more than 55,000 people -- would do its best to raise money to provide whatever additional assistance might be needed to transport any equipment donated by Australia or repair it. Ukraine has clearly stated its interest in receiving 59 Australian M1A1 Abrams tanks, which are to be replaced by the M1A2 version next year.

Illustrative photo of Australian M1A1s. Photo from open sources

Militarnyi previously reported that the Australian Government will provide a £50 million grant to the International Fund for Ukraine, directly supporting the procurement of priority military capabilities.

The International Fund for Ukraine is administered by the United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence.

It uses international partners' contributions to procure priority military equipment for Ukraine.

In addition to Australia's materiel and financial support, the Australian Defence Force continues to make an important contribution to multinational efforts in support of Ukraine under Operation Kudu.