EXCLUSIVE: Inside Australia’s Secret Mission to Arm Ukraine with Dozens of M1A1 Abrams Tanks Amid Fears of Russian Drone Attacks
- Dozens of Australian M1A1 Abrams tanks have been secretly delivered to Ukraine as part of a massive logistical effort to aid the country’s defence against Russia’s invasion.
- The Australian Defence Force granted the ABC exclusive access to the classified operation, revealing the remarkable journey of the tanks from Geelong to the war-torn nation.
- Despite concerns over the tanks’ vulnerability to Russian drone attacks, Australian officials insist the vehicles will make a significant impact on the battlefield.
In a daring and clandestine operation, the Australian Defence Force has successfully delivered dozens of M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, bolstering the country’s defence against Russia’s relentless invasion. The remarkable journey, which began in Geelong, Victoria, has been shrouded in secrecy until now, with the ADF granting the ABC exclusive access to the classified operation.
Colonel James Smith, commander of Operation Kudu, which oversees Australia’s commitment to training for Ukraine, revealed that the secrecy was necessary to ensure the tanks’ safe passage. “We won’t do anything that compromises the security of Ukrainian operations… what we’re trying to do is keep the Ukrainians as safe as we can,” he said.
The final dozen tanks, which arrived in Poland in recent days, underwent rigorous checks at a makeshift maintenance facility before being transported to Ukraine. A team of ADF logistics specialists worked tirelessly behind the scenes to source last-minute tools and equipment, with purchasing corporal Emma Barwick describing the effort as “a massive job” that required meticulous attention to detail.
Lance Corporal Jordan Upton, who spent 55 days at sea accompanying the armoured vehicles to the Northern Hemisphere, recalled the experience as “scary” but ultimately “proud” to be part of the mission. “It was kind of scary, I’d never experienced a trip like that, especially on a commercial cargo vessel,” the 24-year-old said.
Despite concerns over the tanks’ vulnerability to Russian drone attacks, Australian officials insist that the vehicles will make a significant impact on the battlefield. “The M1A1 Abram is still one of the best tanks in the world, and it’s still better than anything that the Russians have got,” said Simon Anglim from the Department of War Studies at King’s College London. “There’s no doubt that a 60-tonne tank with a 120-millimetre gun on it still has a significant impact on the battlefield,” Colonel Smith added.
The Australian government has committed $95 million in additional funding for Ukraine’s defence, bringing the total contribution to $1.7 billion since Russia’s full-scale invasion. While Australia is the largest non-NATO contributor of financial and military aid to Ukraine, some analysts have criticised the country for not doing enough.
As the conflict rages on, the Australians involved in the mission remain resolute in their support for Ukraine. “It’s horrible to think about, but doing something that is making a difference in helping fills me with so much pride,” Corporal Barwick said. With the final checks complete, the last 12 Australian tanks have been transported by rail across Poland to Ukraine, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to aid its embattled ally.