(VIDEO) American M1A1 Abrams Destroyed by a “Single Shot” from Soviet-Era T-72 Tank

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — One of the two American-made M1A1 Abrams tanks supplied to the Ukrainian military was destroyed on the battlefield by “a single shot” from a Russian T-72B3 tank, as confirmed recently by the country Defense Ministry.

According to a spokesperson from the Russian Defense Ministry, the M1A1 Abrams tank provided to the Ukrainian forces was successfully destroyed with a single shot from the cannon of a Russian T-72B3 tank in combat operations near Avdiivka.

The T-72B3 tank, operated by Russia’s 15th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade during the engagement in Avdiivka, managed to take out the American-made Abrams tank with just one shot.

 Following intense fighting, Avdiivka has now been captured by Russian forces, showcasing clashes between Soviet-era T-72 tanks and the modern Western M1A1 Abrams tanks.

The T-72B3, a modernized version of the T-72 tank from the Soviet era, has been upgraded with a new engine and enhanced capabilities, making it more lethal on the battlefield.

Media reports indicate that the Ukrainian forces have lost two or three M1A1 Abrams tanks supplied by the United States to counter Russian armored strength.

 In total, the U.S. has provided 31 advanced M1A1 Abrams tanks, weighing 70 tons each, to Ukraine.

This marks the latest in Western tanks, including German-made Leopards and British Challengers, to be destroyed in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

 Last week, the first operational M1A1 Abrams in the Ukrainian army was believed to have been destroyed by a Russian “Lancet” kamikaze drone in the Avdiivka combat zone.

Videos of the top of the American-made main battle tank on fire after being hit by Russian forces have circulated on social media, with military observers confirming it as the first American tank destroyed in Ukraine.

Details emerged that the M1A1 Abrams operated by Ukrainian forces was initially hit by a Russian “Lancet” kamikaze drone and subsequently by a Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG).

 

The destruction of the Abrams tank occurred just days after the first videos and images appeared on social media showing the American-made tank in action in Avdiivka, Ukraine.

 Ukrainian supporters hoped the presence of the over 70-ton M1A1 Abrams would give their forces an edge against Russian armored assaults.

 However, Ukrainian military officials had previously warned that the American-made Abrams tanks, particularly the older M1A1 variant without depleted uranium armor and other advanced capabilities compared to the newer M1A2 variant, might not last long in battle.

Reports also suggest that the United States removed sensitive components from the M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks before sending them to Ukraine to prevent them from falling into Russian hands in the event of capture.

 This action, as reported by officials quoted by USA Today, aimed to ensure that sensitive components of American main battle tanks would not be exploited by Russian forces.

Initially, the U.S. planned to send the more advanced M1A2 Abrams tanks but opted for the less sophisticated M1A1 variant instead. — DSA