Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
Photo: Reuters
On Saturday, the Australian government announced that it has successfully sent the first batch of the promised M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine. These tanks are part of Australia’s continuing military and humanitarian support for Ukraine, which has been defending itself against Russia since the war began in February 2022.
Australia’s Defense Minister Richard Marles shared this update in an official statement. He said that the tanks had been gifted by the Australian government and that more tanks would be delivered soon in the coming months.
This move shows Australia’s firm and ongoing commitment to helping Ukraine in its time of need.
What Are M1A1 Abrams Tanks?
The M1A1 Abrams tank is a powerful battle tank made in the United States. It is known for its strength, speed, and advanced technology. These tanks are used by some of the strongest armies in the world, including the US military.
By giving these tanks to Ukraine, Australia is not just offering words of support—it is providing real, heavy-duty tools that can help Ukrainian soldiers in real battles. These tanks can protect troops, destroy enemy targets, and help hold off Russian advances in difficult areas of the front line.
How Many Tanks Is Australia Sending?
Australia has promised to send 49 M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine. According to the latest update, the majority of these tanks have now been successfully delivered.
The remaining tanks are expected to arrive in the coming months. This means Ukraine will soon have the full support promised by Australia, allowing its military to be better equipped in its ongoing defense against Russian attacks.
Total Help Worth Nearly a Billion Dollars
The delivery of these tanks is part of the 1.5 billion Australian dollars (which equals around 980 million US dollars) in aid that Australia has promised to Ukraine since the war began.
This money is being used not only to send weapons and tanks but also for many other important things like:
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Training Ukrainian soldiers
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Sending equipment like radios, uniforms, and medical kits
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Giving humanitarian aid to civilians affected by the war
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Supporting global efforts to defend Ukraine’s rights and sovereignty
This shows that Australia’s support is not just military, but also covers many different kinds of help to make sure Ukraine can survive and recover.
Training Ukrainian Soldiers
Australia isn’t just sending tanks and walking away. It is also helping train Ukrainian troops on how to use them effectively.
Ukrainian soldiers need special training to operate modern tanks like the Abrams. These machines are highly advanced and different from older or Soviet-era tanks. By offering training, Australia ensures that the equipment it sends is used in the safest and most effective way.
Australia has been training Ukrainian soldiers both at home and abroad, helping them become stronger, safer, and more confident in their fight for their country.
More Help Coming in August: A Military Aircraft
In addition to the tanks, Australia also has plans to send an E-7A Wedgetail aircraft to Europe in August.
This aircraft is not a fighter jet, but it plays a very important role in modern warfare. The E-7A Wedgetail is a special kind of airplane that helps track other planes, guide friendly aircraft, and watch large areas of sky. It can detect threats early and help organize air missions.
Australia plans to use this aircraft to protect key areas where international help is entering Ukraine—what they call a “vital international gateway.” By sending the Wedgetail, Australia is helping make sure that planes delivering aid, weapons, food, and supplies to Ukraine stay safe.
Australia’s Message: Support Until Peace Is Achieved
Defense Minister Richard Marles made it clear that Australia stands firmly with Ukraine. He said: “Australia remains steadfast in our support for Ukraine and seeing a just and lasting peace.”
This means that Australia will continue to help Ukraine as long as it takes, until there is fair and lasting peace. It also shows that Australia believes in justice and international law, and that no country has the right to invade or control another by force.
A History of Support Since the War Began
Since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Australia has been one of the many countries that have provided ongoing support. This support has included:
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Sanctions on Russia to limit its economy and pressure it to stop the war
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Weapons and equipment for Ukrainian forces
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Training programs for Ukrainian troops
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Humanitarian help for refugees and displaced families
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Political and diplomatic support at the international level
Australia has made it clear from the beginning that it will not stay silent while a democratic country like Ukraine is attacked.
Why Does Australia Support Ukraine?
Some may wonder why a country as far away as Australia would get involved in a European war. The answer lies in values and global responsibility.
Australia, like many countries, believes in the right of people to choose their own leaders, live in peace, and be free from outside control. The invasion of Ukraine by Russia is seen as a direct attack on those values.
If such actions are allowed to happen without punishment or response, it could set a dangerous example for other parts of the world. That’s why many democratic nations, including Australia, feel the need to take a stand.
Australia’s recent delivery of M1A1 Abrams tanks and its ongoing plans to train Ukrainian soldiers and send an aircraft show just how serious it is about supporting Ukraine.
It’s not just about helping in the short term. It’s about standing up for peace, freedom, and justice in the long term.
Even though Australia is far from Ukraine geographically, it is close in spirit and continues to show that it is ready to help however it can.
By offering strong, reliable help, Australia proves that in times of crisis, the world is smaller than we think—and solidarity matters more than distance.
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