Ukrainian Military Personnel Sharply Criticize Performance, Capability of US-Supplied Abrams Tanks

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — When first deployed to Ukraine, the M1A1 Abrams tanks supplied by the United States were hailed as a “game changer”—a military asset poised to shift the dynamics on the battlefield by providing Ukrainian forces with a significant advantage.

However, a few months into their deployment, and with five of the tanks confirmed destroyed within a month of their arrival, critical voices regarding the performance of this American military pride grew louder.

Initially perceived as a potential key to victory for Ukrainian forces, the M1A1 Abrams tanks are now considered problematic and outdated, particularly in terms of their armor.

According to a report by CNN on May 29, 2024, Ukrainian crews operating these tanks described them as plagued with various issues and problems.

Among the criticisms from the crews were technical glitches, such as electronic system failures due to condensation.

 

The crews reported significant temperature fluctuations inside the tanks that could cause condensation, adversely affecting the operation of its electronic systems.

 This moisture could also lead to short circuits, rust, and other issues that compromise the functionality of the tanks’ electronics.

Critical components like the Fire Control System were particularly vulnerable; condensation around this system could lead to malfunctions or inaccuracies, significantly impacting the tank’s effectiveness.

Another critical system affected by condensation was the communication system, potentially obstructing coordination with other military units.

Without reliable communication, the tanks could become isolated, critically impacting the survival of their crews.

 

 Additionally, the navigation system faced issues, providing incorrect information to the operators.

Like other modern tanks, the M1A1 Abrams relies heavily on electronic systems for navigation, communication, and fire control—all crucial for military operations in Ukraine.

 The tank’s crew reported destruction from drone attacks, anti-tank missiles, and enemy fire, highlighting the challenges they faced on the battlefield, including drone strikes.

Criticism from the crews also targeted the tank’s armor, which they deemed insufficient for modern combat environments.

The destruction of these Abrams tanks, regarded as key assets by the Ukrainian military, severely affected morale, particularly as they faced formidable Russian forces targeting these tanks due to their significance in the U.S. arsenal.

 

Military analysts have pointed out that the Abrams tanks deployed to Ukraine were not equipped with Chobham composite armor, known for its effectiveness against kinetic energy projectiles and shaped charges.

Due to their vulnerability on the battlefield, in April, the U.S. was compelled to withdraw the tanks from the frontline after facing threats from Russian kamikaze drones.

 According to The Associated Press, two U.S. military officials stated that the tanks donated by the U.S. could not operate in combat without being detected and heavily targeted by Russian drones.

Despite the U.S. providing Ukraine with 31 Abrams tanks, valued at $10 million each, in January last year to bolster its defenses against Russian armored assaults, the changing dynamics on the battlefield, particularly with Russian monitoring and kamikaze drones, posed a significant threat to these American tanks.

 

Most military analysts had already predicted that the Abrams tanks were unsuitable for frontline operations in Ukraine, noting the terrain and the Ukrainian military’s lack of proficiency with Western military systems as major challenges.

According to renowned U.S. media “Forbes,” the Abrams tanks supplied to Ukraine faced significant issues that rendered them unsuitable for use in the Eastern European combat environment, especially during the long and harsh winter season. — DSA