Abrams tank provides cover for Ukrainian attack aircraft in the battle for Pokrovsk for the first time
Servicemen of the 425th separate assault regiment "Skelya" of the Armed Forces of Ukraine used an M1A1 Abrams tank in combat for the first time. The combat vehicle provided fire cover for assault groups during operations in the city of Pokrovsk, Donetsk region, the unit's press service reported and published a video.
The regiment clarified that these are Abrams tanks transferred to Ukraine by Australia. The vehicles were further adapted to the conditions of modern warfare before they were put into service. Enhanced passive protection and screens with dynamic Contact 1 blocks were installed on the turret, frontal area and sides. To counteract FPV drones, the tank was equipped with a protective covering made of fishing nets.
Special attention was paid to the convenience of the crews. The Abrams control panel has been adapted into Ukrainian, which reduces the training time for tankers and allows them to engage in combat faster.
As previously reported, Australia has completed the transfer of 49 M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, which were in service with the Australian Army from 2007 to 2024. The first 37 tanks arrived in Ukraine in July, and 12 more were delivered over the past two weeks. The total value of the military assistance package with the tanks is estimated at around $245 million, bringing Australia's total support to Ukraine to more than $1.7 billion.
