Mystery: What Version of the M1 Abrams Tank Will Ukraine Get?

The U.S. sends Ukraine the following: M1 Abrams main battle tank. After months of negotiationsThe White House finally agreed to provide the Ukrainian military With what is one of the most capable main battle tanks in the world. 

A security aid package of $400 million will see the U.S. send 31 diplomats to Ukraine. M1 Abrams tanks8 M88 tank recovery trucks, 120mm ammunition, logistical support, and training support to operate the tank effectively.  

According to the White House, Ukraine won’t receive its tanks until several weeks. 

M1 Abrams to Ukraine

The Pentagon’s announcement of the security package indicated that it would come from the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, (USAI), and not from a Presidential Drawdown Authority.

Unlike the Presidential Drawdown Authority where the Pentagon draws from its weapon stock and sends them off to Ukraine, the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative allows the U.S. government to purchase new weapons and ship them off to Kyiv. 

The latest package basically provides funds for the contracting process that will ultimately pick and deliver the weapons systems that Ukraine will receive. It also commits to the long-term survival, and effectiveness of the Ukrainian military forces. 

“This USAI package underscores the continued U.S. commitment to building the capacity of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, now and into the future,” The Department of Defense stated this in the press announcement. 

This suggests that the 31 M1 Abrams main battle tanks Ukraine The tank will either be brand new or modified.  

The M1A2 SEPv3 and the M1A1 FEP M1 Abrams

Ukraine can choose to accept the offer M1A2 SEPv3 Version of the Abrams Tank.

This is the most recent model of the main battle tanks; the U.S. Army received the first units in 2020. 

The M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams An auxiliary power unit provides additional power, network capabilities, enhanced protection against all types munitions, explosive reactive armor mountings, and improved ammo data links to interface with advanced ammunition. 

The latest version of the M1 Abrams tanks It required less maintenance to maintain and work well.

This is an important factor in the context Ukraine. The high cost and effort involved in maintaining a weapon system in combat zones was one of the reasons why the U.S. hesitated to supply the main battle tank to Ukraine.  

The U.S. Military is currently working on updating the M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams. But the SEPv4 This version is still in development, and it is very unlikely that Ukraine will receive one. 

Ukraine can also choose to purchase the M1A1 FEP Abrams. Firepower Enhancement Package, (FEP), was an upgrade to the Abrams’ A1 version that provided better night-and day target acquisition capabilities. It was previously used by the U.S. Marine Corps.

The U.S. must make some repairs to the vehicles in order for Ukraine to be able to receive the older main battle tank. This is primarily to get rid of the classified technology depleted-uranium armor. 

The Ukrainian forces will be able to return the M1 Abrams Kiev regardless of what version it receives. Russian forces. 

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Expert Biography A 19FortyFive Defense and National Security columnist Stavros Atlamazoglou An experienced defense journalist, specializing in special operationsJohns Hopkins University graduate, and a Hellenic Army veteran (national duty with the 575th Marine Battlion and Army headquarters). He is currently working towards a Master’s Degree in Strategy and Cybersecurity at the Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). His work was featured in Business Insider, SandboxxAnd SOFREP.