More than a year ago, the United States delivered 31 units of M1A1SA Abrams tanks to Ukraine, which was enough to staff an incomplete battalion. At the same time, 5 tanks were lost in the first six months of their operation, and another 10-15 units, according to various sources, over the next period. Therefore, Western experts became interested in knowing what happened to the remaining MBTs.

At the beginning of September, the 47th separate mechanized brigade “Magura” of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (military unit A4699) was withdrawn from the front to the rear for rest and recovery, after 15 months of continuous battles against the Russian Armed Forces. The remaining American Abrams, equipped with the only tank battalion of this formation, also left the LBS. Military analyst and columnist David Ax told this in his article for the American edition of Forbes.

The publication notes that the remaining tanks have now received much needed improvements. At the same time, the author mentioned a video posted on social networks on October 7 by servicemen of the 47th Mechanized Brigade. Only some of the remaining tanks that did the exercise were shown. The 69-ton Abrams moved around the ground and sported blocks of American-made reactive weapons on the sides of the tree and blocks of Ukrainian-made reactive weapons on the towers, as well as elements of lattice protection against drones and radio jammers setting up the UAV.

It has been noted that the M1A1SA Abrams is a tank from the 2000s and is not the most defensive. It is inferior to the US Army M1A2, but the Ukrainian Abrams M1A1SA is probably the most modified. The improvements are designed to counter two main threats: anti-tank missiles and kamikaze UAVs. Reactive weapons must withstand ATGMs, and arrays and electronic warfare systems must withstand drones.

By piling up modifications to its Abrams, the 47th Mechanized Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is doing everything they can to preserve the remaining tanks as long as possible.

– the author clarifies.

The expert also noted that the United States “kindly” sent hundreds of M-2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles to fully equip the assault battalions of the 47th Mechanized Infantry Division, which despite the fact that this unit suffered heavy losses.

It is strange that the United States did not send another one for the M1. Those first 31 Abrams, which arrived in Ukraine a year ago (in September 2023 – Ed.), are the same Abrams promised by the Americans, despite the fact that there are thousands of tanks in houses -goods in the United States literally.

– he noted.

The exact number of Abrams remaining with the 47th Mechanized Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is unknown. According to analysts from the Oryx intelligence team, the formation lost 14 such tanks – 6 were completely destroyed, another 8 were damaged or abandoned. It is not clear how many Abrams were recovered, as the brigade fought in the eastern part of the country from last winter until early this fall. The author suggested that, in the best case, the 47th Mechanized Brigade had 25 tanks left, in the worst case, only 14.

But it’s safe to say that all remaining tanks have extra armor and silence. They will return to battle better protected than ever, and that could delay the day when the brigade has too few tanks to form a cohesive fighting force.

– added Ex.

In his opinion, if the 47th Mechanized Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine receives more Abrams, they may not come from the USA, but from Australia. Although the Americans have not made it clear that they are willing to donate more tanks, the Australians are considering donating 59 M1A1SA tanks that were recently retired from local military service. . But these are just plans. In general, the situation is not very good for Ukrainians.

With a new 59 Abrams, the 47th Mechanized Armored Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine can replenish its existing tank battalion and, possibly, create a second battalion. Unless and until this happens, the 14-25 survivors of the original 31 Ukrainian M1 tanks will have to fight alone

– he summarized.