EXPLAINER: Why the US flipped on sending tanks to Ukraine
1 year, 10 months ago

EXPLAINER: Why the US flipped on sending tanks to Ukraine

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — For months, U.S. officials balked at sending M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, insisting they were too complicated and too hard to maintain and repair. Crews interviewed in a 1992 Government Accountability Office review after the Persian Gulf War praised its high survivability and said “several M1A1 crews reported receiving direct frontal hits from Iraqi T-72s with minimal damage.” More recently, the battle titans led the charge to Baghdad during America’s 2003 invasion of Iraq, as 3rd Infantry Division units conducted what was dubbed “Thunder Runs” to break through Iraqi defenses. The Abrams’ powerful jet engine can propel the tank through almost any terrain, whether heavy snow or heavy mud, said Kevin Butler, a former Army lieutenant who served as an Abrams tank platoon leader. Asked directly about German pressure, Biden told reporters, “Germany didn’t force me to change our mind.” HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE Timing for both delivery of the tanks to Ukraine and the training of Ukrainian troops is fuzzy. Doug Bush, assistant secretary of the Army for acquisition, said the U.S. no longer buys new Abrams, but uses older ones as “seed vehicles” and refurbishes them.

History of this topic

Australia gives 49 aging Abrams tanks to Ukraine
2 months, 1 week ago
Fresh hope Ukraine will soon receive ageing Australian Abrams tanks as Defence reviews military support
2 months, 4 weeks ago
Ukraine pulls US-provided Abrams tanks from the front lines over Russian drone threats
7 months, 4 weeks ago
Ukraine pulls U.S.-provided Abrams tanks from front lines over Russian drone threats
7 months, 4 weeks ago
Ukraine pulls US-provided Abrams tanks from the front lines over Russian drone threats
7 months, 4 weeks ago
Ukraine pulls US-provided Abrams tanks from the front lines over Russian drone threats
7 months, 4 weeks ago
What we know about US Abrams tanks arriving in Ukraine ‘next week’
1 year, 3 months ago
From Challenger to Leopard: How Ukraine’s tanks compare to Russia’s
1 year, 3 months ago
Washington reveals why it will send Ukraine 'simpler version' of Abrams tanks
1 year, 4 months ago
Tanks, F-16 jets part of long-term aid for Ukraine, won’t be ready for upcoming offensive, US says
1 year, 6 months ago
US Abrams tanks for training Ukrainian forces arrive in Germany ahead of schedule
1 year, 7 months ago
Allies move to bolster Ukrainian tank forces ahead of counteroffensive
1 year, 8 months ago
US to begin training Ukrainian troops on Abrams tank
1 year, 8 months ago
‘More comfortable than a Rolls-Royce’: Ukrainian tank drivers eagerly await Western rides
1 year, 8 months ago
Ukraine receives Leopard, Challenger battle tanks
1 year, 8 months ago
US speeds up Abrams tank delivery to Ukraine war zone
1 year, 9 months ago
U.S. to speed up delivery of Abrams tanks to Ukraine by sending older model
1 year, 9 months ago
US to send Patriot missile systems and tanks to Ukraine faster than originally planned
1 year, 9 months ago
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European countries promise Ukraine more Leopard 1 tanks
1 year, 10 months ago
Western weapon deliveries in a race against Russia offensive
1 year, 10 months ago
Russian attacks on Ukraine reported; at least 11 dead
1 year, 10 months ago
Tank deliveries are 'direct involvement' by West in conflict, says Kremlin
1 year, 10 months ago
Goal is to get Ukraine the capabilities they need to be successful on the battlefield against Russia: John Kirby
1 year, 10 months ago
January 26, 2023 - Russia-Ukraine news
1 year, 10 months ago
Russia vows to ‘burn’ German, US tanks in Ukraine
1 year, 10 months ago
Despite concerns, US to send 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine
1 year, 10 months ago
U.S., Germany to send tanks to Ukraine
1 year, 10 months ago
January 25, 2023 - Russia-Ukraine news
1 year, 10 months ago
U.S., Germany poised to send tanks to Ukraine, answering Kyiv's pleas
1 year, 11 months ago
In reversal, US poised to approve Abrams tanks for Ukraine
1 year, 11 months ago
Russia scorns Germany for sending Leopard battle tanks to Ukraine
1 year, 11 months ago
US will send dozens of Abrams tanks to Ukraine, Biden announces
1 year, 11 months ago
Abrams and Leopard tanks: Why are they important to Ukraine?
1 year, 11 months ago
U.S. and Germany will send battle tanks to Ukraine
1 year, 11 months ago
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1 year, 11 months ago
Germany, US agree to send battle tanks to Ukraine: Reports
1 year, 11 months ago
U.S. expected to send M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, directing a political message to Germany
1 year, 11 months ago
A look at Leopard 2 tanks that could soon be sent to Ukraine
1 year, 11 months ago
German caution on Ukraine arms rooted in political culture
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Ukraine war: 'Frank' talks as Ukraine pushes Germany for Leopard 2 tanks
1 year, 11 months ago
Defence chiefs fail to resolve dispute on tanks for Ukraine
1 year, 11 months ago
Defense chiefs fail to resolve dispute on tanks for Ukraine
1 year, 11 months ago
Defense leaders meet amid dissent over tanks for Ukraine
1 year, 11 months ago
What is the Leopard 2 tank, and why does Ukraine want it?
1 year, 11 months ago
US plans to include 100 Stryker vehicles in new Ukraine aid package
1 year, 11 months ago
‘They have us over a barrel’: Inside the US and German standoff over sending tanks to Ukraine
1 year, 11 months ago
Don’t believe the hype; tanks are still vital for Ukraine
1 year, 11 months ago
Will the West deliver the tanks Ukraine is asking for?
1 year, 11 months ago

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