(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — An US-made M1A1 Abrams main battle tank, operated by the Ukrainian military, has been confirmed destroyed, believed to be the result of a strike by a Russian “Lancet” kamikaze drone in the combat zone of Avdiivka.
This marks the first instance of an M1A1 Abrams tank being destroyed in Ukraine out of the 31 main battle tanks supplied by Washington to Kiev.
Videos circulating on social media show the main battle tank engulfed in flames after being hit, with military observers confirming it as the first American-made tank lost in Ukraine.
Reports indicate that the Ukrainian-operated M1A1 Abrams tank was initially struck by a Russian “Lancet” kamikaze drone, followed by a second strike from a Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG).
The destruction of the Abrams tank reportedly occurred in the combat area of Avdiivka, Ukraine, shortly before the area was captured by Russian forces.
Russian surveillance drones later captured footage showing the highly anticipated Ukrainian military asset burning after being struck by Russian forces.
To date, there is no information regarding the fate of the Ukrainian military personnel operating the unfortunate Abrams tank, whether they survived or were killed in the dual drone and RPG attack.
The destruction of the M1A1 Abrams tank happened just days after the first videos and images surfaced on social media showing the American-made tank in action on the battlefield in Avdiivka, Ukraine.
Ukrainian supporters had hoped that the presence of the over 70-ton M1A1 Abrams tank would provide a significant advantage to their forces in countering Russian armored attacks.
However, the outcome on the battlefield in Avdiivka was contrary, with the first main battle tank M1A1 Abrams successfully destroyed by Russia, and the city of Avdiivka now under Russian control.
Nonetheless, fierce battles continue in the southern regions of Ukraine.
Months ago, Ukrainian military officials had warned that the American-made Abrams tanks might not “last long” on the battlefield.
Moreover, the Abrams tanks supplied to Ukraine are of the M1A1 variant, considered “aged” and not equipped with “depleted uranium” armor and other capabilities compared to the newer M1A2 variant.
As demonstrated in Iraq, the M1A1 Abrams tanks can be defeated by basic and outdated anti-tank weapons.
Lt Gen Kirill Budanov, head of the Military Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine, stated that the Abrams tanks’ tenure on the battlefield in their country would be severely limited if these ground assets are used recklessly on the front lines.
“If the Abrams tanks are used on the front lines or as part of combat scenarios, their tenure (Abrams tanks) on the battlefield may be limited and short-lived,” he said.
Budanov also mentioned that the practicality of the Abrams tanks is significantly limited due to the widespread use of artillery and minesfield by Russian forces in the Russia-Ukraine conflict zone.
“Russian artillery and minese have reduced the potential use of armored assets on all fronts to a minimum,” said the senior intelligence officer in the Ukrainian military.
The United States initially hesitated to supply Abrams tanks to Ukraine but was compelled to do so after Germany stipulated that it would only allow Leopard tanks to be sent to Ukraine after Washington did the same with its Abrams tanks.
Washington is concerned that any destruction of Abrams tanks in Ukraine could damage its reputation. — DSA