Ashish Dangwal
The reputation of the US-supplied Abrams tanks — once hailed as a game-changer for Ukraine’s military — is increasingly under scrutiny as Ukrainian soldiers now reveal weaknesses and flaws in the American vehicles.
The deployment of these Abrams tanks, specifically the M1A1 models, was intended to bolster Kyiv’s resistance against Russian forces, but battlefield experiences have raised doubts about their effectiveness.
In January 2023, after a persistent campaign by Ukrainian officials highlighting the critical need for advanced tanks, the US agreed to send 31 Abrams to Ukraine.
The tanks, each costing approximately $10 million, were essential to breach Russian defensive lines. By October 2023, all 31 tanks had arrived in Ukraine, fueling hopes for a strategic advantage on the ever-changing frontlines.
However, these tanks encountered substantial challenges on the battlefield, particularly from Russian drones. At least five of the Abrams tanks have already been lost to Russian attacks, undermining their anticipated impact.
During the latest interview with CNN, Ukrainian tank crews who trained in Germany shared their concerns about the Abrams tanks’ performance. They said that the tanks’ armor was not strong enough for modern weapons.
“The tank’s armor is not sufficient for this moment,” said one crew member, known by the callsign Joker. “It doesn’t protect the crew. For real, today, this is the war of drones. So now, when the tank rolls out, they always try to hit them.”
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