Russian drone attacks forced Ukraine to withdraw Abrams tanks from combat

Ukraine has withdrawn the Abrams M1A1 tanks sent to it by the United States from combat for the time being, in part because Russian drone attacks have made it difficult for those tanks to operate and because they are the targets of attacks, two US military officials told the AP.

For now, the tanks have been moved from the front line, and the US will work with the Ukrainians to find new tactics for using those tanks, US Joint Chiefs Vice Chairman Admiral Christopher Grady and an unnamed defense official said.

The U.S. approved sending 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine in January 2023 after Ukrainian officials requested their delivery, arguing that the tanks, which cost about $10 million each, are vital to breaking through Russian battle lines.

The front has changed significantly since then, especially due to the use of Russian reconnaissance drones, which has made it difficult for Ukrainian forces to protect Abrams tanks from Russian attacks because the drones quickly detect them, according to the AP.

A new tactic will be prepared

Five of the 31 tanks have already been lost to Russian attacks. A senior US military official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, noted that the proliferation of drones on the Ukrainian battlefield means “there is no open ground that you can just walk across without fear of detection.”

Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Christopher Grady also confirmed that tanks have been moved from the front line, but also announced that Washington will help Kiev prepare new tactics.

– When you think about the way combat has evolved, massive armor in an environment where unmanned aerial systems are ubiquitous can be at risk.

However, he said tanks are still important.

– We will work with our Ukrainian partners and other partners on the ground to help them think about how they can use them, in such a changed environment, where everything is immediately visible – he continued.

New aid packages are coming

News of the tank withdrawal comes as it marks the second anniversary of the formation of the Ukrainian Defense Contact Group, a coalition of about 50 countries that meets monthly to assess Ukraine’s battlefield needs.

Recent aid packages, including a $1 billion military aid package signed into law by President Joe Biden on Wednesday, also reflect a broader reset of Ukrainian forces. The US is expected to announce today that it will send about $6 billion in long-term military aid to Ukraine.

American officials pointed out that the package should also include the highly sought-after ammunition for the “patriot” air defense systems.

The Pentagon confirmed earlier this week that it had delivered long-range ballistic missiles known as ATACMSwhich allow Ukraine to inflict deep into the areas under Russian occupation.

(Index.hr, Tanjug)