On Saturday, the Australian government announced the transfer of M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine as part of a $245 million AUD ($160 million) aid package to bolster defense efforts against Russia.

This was reported by Reuters.

Australia, one of Ukraine's main partners outside of NATO, has been supplying military aid, ammunition, and equipment since Russia's invasion of the neighboring country in February 2022.

According to Defense Minister Richard Marles, Ukraine has received most of the 49 tanks provided by Australia, with the remaining tanks expected to arrive in the coming months.

Marles stated: "The M1A1 Abrams tanks will significantly enhance Ukraine's ongoing struggle against Russia's unlawful invasion."

According to government sources, these tanks are part of a total aid package amounting to $1.5 billion AUD that Canberra has allocated to Kyiv.

Additionally, Australia has banned the export of bauxite and aluminum ores to Russia and imposed sanctions against around 1,000 Russian individuals and organizations.

This year, the Australian government, led by the centrist Labor Party, labeled Russia as the aggressor in the conflict and called for a resolution to the war on Ukraine's terms.

Previously, in October 2024, it was reported that Australia would send 49 soon-to-be-retired Abrams tanks to Ukraine as part of a $245 million military assistance package.