Washington, DC – Ukraine has decided to halt the use of U.S.-provided Abrams M1A1 battle tanks in its conflict with Russia due to challenges posed by Russian drone warfare, according to two U.S. military officials familiar with the situation.
The decision to sideline the 31 Abrams tanks, sent to Ukraine in January 2023, comes as the use of Russian surveillance drones and hunter-killer drones has increased on the battlefield. This proliferation of drones has made it difficult for Ukraine to protect the tanks, leading to the loss of five of them to Russian attacks.
U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Vice Chairman Adm. Christopher Grady stated that there is a need to reconsider tactics in light of the evolving battlefield, where unmanned aerial systems pose a constant threat. The tanks have been moved from the front lines as both the U.S. and Ukrainian forces strategize on their next steps.
As the U.S. marks the two-year anniversary of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, discussions are underway about providing additional military aid to Ukraine. Recent aid packages, including a $1 billion military assistance package signed by President Joe Biden, have emphasized the importance of counter-drone capabilities and long-term military support.
In light of the challenges posed by Russian drone warfare, the U.S. has also begun providing long-range ballistic missiles to Ukraine, allowing them to strike deep into Russian-occupied areas without direct engagement. However, the effectiveness of the tanks on the battlefield has been hindered by a lack of adoption of combined arms warfare tactics.
Despite receiving training on how to maintain and operate the tanks, Ukrainian forces have not fully integrated them into their operations. The recent withdrawal from Avdiivka saw the loss of several tanks to Russian attacks, highlighting the ongoing need for support and resources to keep Ukrainian forces equipped and prepared for the conflict.
With new funding expected to be announced, Ukraine looks towards strengthening its military capabilities and adjusting its tactics to counter the evolving threat posed by Russian forces. As the conflict continues, the focus remains on providing the necessary support to Ukraine to ensure they can effectively defend against Russian aggression.