SYDNEY (Reuters) – The Australian government said on Saturday it has put the M1A1 Abrams Tanks as part of a $245 million ($160 million) package to help the country defend Russia in the ongoing war.
Australia is one of Ukraine’s largest non-NATO contributors since Moscow invaded its neighbors in February 2022, and has been providing aid, ammunition and defense equipment.
Defense Minister Richard Marles said Ukraine owns most of the 49 tanks provided by Australia, and the rest will be delivered in the coming months.
“The M1A1 Abrams tank will make a significant contribution to the ongoing Ukraine fight against Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion,” Mars said in a statement.
The government said the tanks form part of the $1.5 billion ($980 million) that Canberra has provided to Ukraine in the conflict.
Australia also bans the export of alumina and aluminum ore (including bauxite) to Russia and has approved about 1,000 Russian individuals and entities.
Australia’s left-wing Labor government this year marked Russia as an invader in conflict and called for a resolution of the war under Kiev terms.
($1 = AUD 1.5366)
(Reported by Sam McKeith in Sydney)
