Australia Completes Tank Transfer to Ukraine for Defense Support

Australia has finalized the transfer of M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks to Ukraine as part of military aid, according to ABC.
It is reported that the last batch of 12 M1A1 Abrams tanks was delivered a few weeks ago, following the arrival of the first 37 tanks in July.
The final shipment was sent in October on a commercial cargo ship, accompanied by five members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF). After 55 days at sea, the cargo reached Europe. Journalists noted that the tanks underwent inspection and repairs in Poland before being handed over to Ukraine.
Canberra has allocated a total of $1.7 billion for defense assistance to Ukraine since the onset of the full-scale Russian invasion. Australia is the largest non-NATO country providing financial and military aid to Ukraine.
In October 2024, the Australian government announced plans to transfer dozens of Abrams tanks to Ukraine as part of a military assistance package worth $245 million.
By July 2025, the Australian government confirmed the completion of the first batch of M1A1 Abrams tank supplies to Ukraine.
Australia acquired 59 M1A1 Abrams tanks in 2007, but they have never been deployed in combat zones. Canberra replaced them with newer M1A2 tanks equipped with 120mm guns.