Out-gunned, out-manned, and out-resourced, the Ukrainian military has plenty of constraints they need to contend with. The battleground of Ukraine is a brilliant testing ground for weapons systems, the Ukrainians have to be resourceful, they are testing weapons for a number of weapons manufacturers and nations.
Australia has gifted 49 retired M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks to Ukraine, this follows the M1A1 tanks given by the United States previously. The tanks have been assigned to the 425th Separate Assault Regiment Skela, formally Skala. This is a frontline assault group involved in the defense of Bukhmut and counter-offensives in Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia. Formerly a battalion, with the tank and artillery reinforcements, this is now designated a regiment even though some may claim this is closer to a division with around 13,000 personnel.
What we have learnt is the M1A1 Abrams has serious deficiencies that have been exposed in Ukraine. Australia has now taken possession of the M1A2 variants with enhanced armour, improved targeting and communications. There are concerns related to the survivability of the earlier M1A1 models. The M1A2 upgraded arrangements include Commander’s Independent Thermal Viewer [CITV] allowing the tank commander to independently scan for targets and pivot the main gun instantly without directing the gunner. Ammunition Data Link [ADL] enabling digital communication between the fire control system and smart rounds for point-detonate, delay, and airburst effects.
The Auxiliary Power Unit [APU] has an under-armor power generation allowing the tank to operate sensors and communications without idling the main turbine engine, thus lowering its fuel use and thermal signature. The M1A2 upgraded armor package includes improved counter-IED electronics and compatibility with active protection systems. Finally, the digital electrical architecture replaced legacy wiring with dual processors continuously analysing system data and support future networking needs to ensure current wiring practices.
