The Australian Defense Force (ADF) has handed over 49 M1A1 Abrams battle tanks to Ukraine. This was done as part of Australia's military assistance package.
It was reported by the Australian Department of Defense.
The cost of 49 M1A1 Abrams tanks is approximately USD 245 million. They are part of Australia's total assistance to Ukraine since the beginning of the conflict, amounting to more than USD 1.7 billion, of which more than USD 1.5 billion is military assistance.
The commander of the operation, Colonel James Smith, said the operation to transport the tanks from Australia to Europe was a major logistical exercise.
"It is a huge undertaking to bring a 60-tonne tank half way across the world and make sure that when we give it to our Ukrainian friends, it is ready to use," Colonel Smith said.
Most of the tanks arrived in Ukraine in July, many of which have already been deployed to the front line. The last tranche was delivered just a few days ago and is ready for combat.
The delivery of the last M1A1 Abrams comes after the Australian government announced a new USD 95 million military aid package to Ukraine.
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