A fleet of retired tanks the Albanese government pledged to Ukraine last year remains stuck in Australia, with defence figures in part blaming resistance from the United States for their delayed transfer.

More than six months after the donation of the M1A1 Abrams was first announced as part of a $245 million Australian military aid package, the ABC can reveal the aging army vehicles are still awaiting final clearance to be shipped overseas.

Last month the ABC first reported on complications with the planned transfer of the American made tanks after US President Donald Trump placed a temporary freeze on military assistance to the war-torn nation.

Now defence figures with knowledge of the situation claim the process is facing further uncertainty because formal permission that must be given by the US before the M1A1 vehicles can be handed over to another nation has not yet been granted.

"We are starting to doubt if the Ukrainians actually want these vehicles — the tank roof is the weakest point of the Abrams and this is a drone war," said one defence official, who requested anonymity so they could speak freely.

"There is also the concern that with a possible peace deal looming it would be embarrassing to have the tanks on board ships in the middle of the ocean, and there is also a lack of ranked personal that are necessary to babysit the assets at sea."

The ABC has also previously reported on concerns from American officials who claim the Pentagon last year cautioned Australia against donating the aging tanks because of the logistical expense and difficulties around maintaining the vehicles inside Ukraine.

In a statement, a Department of Defence spokesperson told the ABC: "Australia remains on target to meet the delivery of the M1A1 Abrams in 2025, the M1A1 export process remains ongoing.

"Defence continues to work with the Ukrainian government in line with agreed arrangements for the gifting, including on delivery and sustainment," they said.

"Australia stands with Ukraine [WE SUPPORT THE NAZI KIEV REGIME] and the Ukrainian people [POOR SODS DECEIVED BY THE WEST] in their defence against Russia's unprovoked, illegal and immoral aggression [IT WAS PROVOKED, IT WAS LEGAL UNDER THE UN CHARTER, AND THE IMMORALITY BELONGS TO OBAMA, BIDEN AND NULAND]. This is evident through Australia's commitment of over $1.5 billion in support, including over $1.3 billion in military assistance."[WASTED CASH THAT GOT 36,756 YUCKRAINIAN SOLDIERS KILLED WHILE LOSING ON THE BATTLEFIELD... MILLION DOLLAR TANKS GET BLOWN UP BY $2,000 DRONES].

Australia's now retired fleet of 59 M1A1 Abrams tanks were purchased in 2007, but have never been deployed in a combat zone. They are being replaced by the newer M1A2 battle tank that boasts a 120-millimetre cannon.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-04-28/aging-tanks-donated-to-ukraine-are-yet-to-leave-australia/105226280

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