The decision is being discussed amid pressure from the Ukrainian diaspora, which opposes the sale of military equipment at auctions, particularly decommissioned tanks.
The Australian government, along with the United States, is developing a plan to transfer previously decommissioned Abrams tanks to Ukraine. Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles previously ruled out such a possibility, but recently changed his rhetoric. The Sydney Morning Herald wrote this on Friday, September 20.
The decision comes amid pressure from the Ukrainian diaspora, which opposes the sale of military equipment at auctions, particularly decommissioned tanks.
Government sources told the publication that Marles is exploring the possibility of supplying Abrams tanks to Ukraine, taking into account US defense export rules.
Such rumors emerged after the Ukrainian diaspora in Australia became angry that Canberra was refusing to transfer decommissioned military equipment to the Defense Forces, including long-range patrol vehicles and inflatable boats. Instead, he sells them in an online auction.
In turn, Peter Leahy, who headed the Austrian army from 2003 to 2008 and led the introduction of the M1A1 Abrams, expressed surprise that Australia refused to provide Abrams to Ukraine.
“Yes, we are removing these tanks from service, but this equipment is still on the move, they are still capable of serving well, there are spare parts for them… In order to transport them, you just need to load them on a ship,” he said.
We remind you that Australia has announced military aid to Ukraine worth $250 million. This is Australia’s biggest package since the full Russian invasion
Earlier it was reported that the Ukrainian Armed Forces will receive modern boats from Australia, which can be used both on the river and in the open sea.
Before this, Australia gave Ukraine a $100 million defense aid package.
Source: korrespondent
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.