Australia Holds Up Transfer of Decommissioned Abrams Tanks to Ukraine Due to U
S. Resistance – Media Australian authorities are still hesitating to fulfill their promise to transfer decommissioned M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks to Ukraine, leading to tension and hints of possible diplomatic complications. According to Australian and American sources, the process of delivering this long-discussed equipment is not merely a logistics issue but a significant diplomatic and military challenge, complicated by resistance from the United States, a key ally in this effort. In 2007, Australia purchased a fleet of 59 decommissioned M1A1 Abrams tanks from the U.S., but for over a decade and a half, they have not been used in combat. It is noted that this armored equipment is outdated, and modern M1A2 models with improved capabilities, including a 120mm gun, are now in service. As a result, some have sarcastically remarked—what is the point of calling these tanks "decommissioned" if they are just stored and not sent anywhere? According to ABC, the first signs of complications in the transfer process appeared last month when U.S. President Donald Trump temporarily halted military aid to Ukraine, raising additional questions about the possibility of transferring allied equipment. However, the main reason for the blockage is attributed to the fact that U.S. authorities have not issued an official export license for the tanks, since any transfer of military equipment, especially such as armored vehicles, is strictly regulated by U.S. laws and international treaties. Despite these obstacles, officials from the Australian Department of Defence assure that the process is ongoing and that the planned delivery could still occur in 2025. They state that negotiations with Ukraine are actively continuing and that all necessary legal and technical issues are being addressed within the framework of agreed-upon contracts. Additionally, a Defence Ministry spokesperson emphasized: "Australia remains committed to fulfilling the plan for the supply of M1A1 Abrams tanks, and the export process is not yet complete; it is still underway." He also mentioned that the country is working with Ukraine in accordance with contractual agreements, which include not only the delivery of the equipment but also its maintenance and technical support on-site. Overall, the situation surrounding the transfer of tanks has deeper political overtones. Last October, reports emerged that Australia planned to give Kyiv 49 of its obsolete Abrams tanks, which are also on the decommissioning list, as part of a broader military aid package valued at $245 million. This promise has become the subject of discussions and complex confidential arrangements, including with U.S. investigative authorities, since transferring such equipment to third countries according to international arms trade regulations (ITAR) effectively requires additional approvals. Given the complexity and multifaceted nature of the situation, experts emphasize that diplomatic and military circles need to cooperate even more diligently to overcome bureaucratic and political hurdles. At the same time, Australian officials highlight their commitment to the initial plans and their intent to send the equipment in small batches in the near future. However, it is also possible that issues related to arms transfer could be delayed due to the complexity of coordination and potential shifts to new levels of international agreements.