Ukraine sacrifices Abrams tank to prevent Russian capture
According to Forbes, during operations in Russia's Kursk region, the Ukrainian army destroyed one of the few remaining American Abrams M1A1 tanks still in service. It appears that this action was intentional.
As explained by American war correspondent David Axe writing for Forbes, the incident occurred on January 5th during one of the large Russian assaults involving approximately 50 armoured vehicles. Ultimately, the attack failed the Russians, mainly due to the drones used by the Ukrainians.
Ukrainians destroy Abrams in Kursk region
One of the drones hit a disabled Abrams M1A1 tank belonging to the 47th Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian army. Footage of the incident appeared on social media.
David Axe explained in his article that the attack on the disabled Abrams M1A1 tank might have been intended to keep it out of Russian hands. The tank may have been stuck in a location preventing safe evacuation, making it preferable to destroy it rather than risk capture by the Russians. Such actions have been observed on the front before, with both sides in the ongoing war occasionally choosing this course of action.
Valuable tank in service with Ukrainians
Ukraine received 31 Abrams M1A1 tanks as part of an aid package from the United States. However, data presented by the creators of the Oryx blog, which aims to document equipment losses by the warring parties in Ukraine, indicates that Russians have already eliminated 18 American tanks. Some have been destroyed or damaged, but several units were captured and taken to Russia. This is the worst-case scenario from the West's perspective, as it allows Russians to examine the Abrams design closely.
The Abrams M1A1 is equipped with a 120 mm cannon (approximately 4.7 inches) and 12.7 mm (0.5 inches) and 7.62 mm (0.3 inches) machine guns. Ukrainians value the American tanks for their significant firepower and advanced fire control systems. Although these tanks weigh around 60 metric tonnes, they have engines with 1,500 horsepower and can reach speeds of over 65 kilometres per hour (about 40 mph).
David Axe emphasized that the United States has refused to provide Ukraine with additional Abrams tanks. However, this does not mean reinforcements will not appear on the front line. Several dozen Abrams tanks being phased out of service will be sent to Ukraine by Australia.
