Ukraine has lost 14 Abrams tanks – almost half donated by the US

Among the military “aid” provided to Kyiv by international allies were armored vehicles, including Western-style main battle tanks. The United Kingdom took the lead, donating fourteen of its Challenger 2 tanks to support the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Photo credit: Telegram

This transfer was more than just a military handout; it was a political statement meant to persuade European allies to share their resources. According to British officials, their tank is nearly “invulnerable.”

However, the first Challenger 2 destroyed by Russian forces smoldered in the southern steppes during Ukraine’s unsuccessful counteroffensive in the summer of 2023. Since then, there has been little reported about the combat performance of the remaining British tanks in Ukrainian hands.

Photo credit: MWM

Germany, along with several other European nations, followed the UK’s lead and began supplying Ukraine with a range of German Leopard 2 tanks. Among them, the Leopard 2A6 stands out as the most advanced model in the series.

The United States took its time to deploy the M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks to Ukraine. Initially, Washington pledged to deliver 31 of these tanks, sufficient to outfit a single tank battalion.

However, the delivery faced delays. The reason for this lag is straightforward—American engineers had to remove all valuable and classified technology from the tanks. For a significant period, the Ukrainian command opted to keep the U.S.-donated tanks in reserve rather than deploying them immediately into battle.

Video screenshot

The M1A1 Abrams tanks deployed by the Ukrainian Armed Forces towards Avdiivka quickly began falling prey to enemy fire. Astonishingly, their destruction echoed that of both European and Russian tanks.

These American combat vehicles have become primary targets for Russian troops, who seem to be actively hunting these armored giants. Now, reports of destroyed Abrams tanks surface frequently in Russian Ministry of Defense updates.

So, how many of these tanks have been destroyed? Nearly half of those initially transferred. According to the 1430th Regimental Bulletin Telegram channel, 14 out of the 31 M1 Abrams tanks delivered have been destroyed so far, with photographic evidence to substantiate these claims.

Photo credit: Telegram

Interestingly, not too long ago, CNN aired a captivating report on American tanks deployed with Ukraine’s 47th Mechanized Brigade. This elite unit operates under NATO standards and uses Western military equipment.

The CNN team visited Ukrainian tank positions and uncovered some rather harsh criticisms of the American tanks. Issues ranged from technical engine problems and insufficient armor protection to condensation during foggy and rainy conditions, which damaged the tanks’ electrical systems. Overall, according to Ukrainian tank crews, the Abrams tanks have become primary targets for Russian forces.

The M1 Abrams is a third-generation main battle tank used by the United States Army and Marine Corps. Named after General Creighton Abrams, it has been a cornerstone of American armored forces since its introduction in the early 1980s. The tank is renowned for its advanced armor, powerful armament, and sophisticated electronics, making it one of the most formidable tanks in the world.

Photo credit: Pixabay

The dimensions of the M1 Abrams are substantial, reflecting its role as a heavily armored vehicle. It measures approximately 32.04 feet [9.77 meters] in length, 12 feet [3.66 meters] in width, and 8 feet [2.44 meters] in height. The tank’s weight varies depending on the variant, but it typically weighs around 60 tons.

Propulsion for the M1 Abrams is provided by a Honeywell AGT1500 gas turbine engine, which is capable of producing 1,500 horsepower. This engine allows the tank to reach speeds of up to 42 miles per hour [67 kilometers per hour] on roads and 30 miles per hour [48 kilometers per hour] off-road. The gas turbine engine is known for its high power-to-weight ratio and ability to run on various types of fuel, including diesel, kerosene, and jet fuel.

The M1 Abrams boasts several technical characteristics that enhance its combat effectiveness. Its composite armor, which includes depleted uranium layers in some variants, offers exceptional protection against both kinetic and chemical energy threats. The tank is also equipped with advanced fire control systems, including a laser rangefinder, thermal imaging, and a ballistic computer, which enable it to accurately engage targets at long distances, even in adverse conditions.

Photo: Wikipedia

The main gun of the M1 Abrams is a 120mm M256 smoothbore cannon, developed by Rheinmetall and produced under license in the United States. This powerful weapon is capable of firing a variety of ammunition types, making it versatile in combat situations. The gun’s smoothbore design allows for higher muzzle velocities and improved accuracy over long distances.

The types of ammunition used by the M1 Abrams’ main gun include Armor-Piercing Fin-Stabilized Discarding Sabot [APFSDS] rounds, which are designed to penetrate enemy armor; High-Explosive Anti-Tank [HEAT] rounds, which are effective against both armored and soft targets; and Multi-Purpose Anti-Tank [MPAT] rounds, which can be used against a variety of targets, including helicopters. Additionally, the tank can fire canister rounds for close-range defense against infantry.

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