Flaws in US-Supplied Abrams Tanks Expose Vulnerabilities on Ukrainian Frontlines

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
29/05/2024 18h03

In a recent report by CNN, Ukrainian crews operating US-supplied Abrams tanks have highlighted several weaknesses and flaws in the armored vehicles, raising concerns about their effectiveness on the ever-changing battlefields of the ongoing conflict. These revelations have cast doubt on the United States' commitment to supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.

The donation of Abrams tanks was announced by US President Joe Biden as a symbol of the enduring commitment of the United States to Ukraine. CNN journalists were given exclusive access to the tanks at a location in eastern Ukraine, where around six vehicles were concealed in foliage.

According to the Ukrainian crews trained in Germany, the armor of the Abrams tanks is insufficient to withstand modern weapons, putting the lives of the crew at risk. In the current warfare dominated by drones, the tanks have become prime targets, leaving the crew members vulnerable and exposed to attacks.

To overcome the inherent weakness in the tanks' armor, the Ukrainian crew demonstrated their efforts to affix active armor by using plates of plastic explosives. Although this makeshift solution provides some level of protection, it underscores the inadequacy of the tanks' original design.

Officials from the 47th Mechanised Brigade, who have received all 31 Abrams tanks, confirmed that the vehicles were deployed near the frontline in eastern Ukraine. Despite being reportedly pulled back from the frontline due to the threat of Russian attack drones, some tanks remain in action, albeit with notable deficiencies.

The effectiveness of the Abrams tanks has been significantly hampered by the use of self-destructing attack drones, commonly known as First-Person Vision (FPV) drones, which have introduced a new level of vulnerability to armored vehicles. These drones, operated by soldiers wearing gaming goggles, have proven to be accurate and can cause substantial damage to tanks and infantry.

In addition to being exposed to innovative drones, the Abrams tanks have also encountered technical issues. During CNN's visit, one tank was almost immobile due to an engine problem, despite having recently arrived from Poland. Condensation has also posed a challenge, as rain or fog can cause damage to the sensitive electronics inside the vehicle.

Ammunition supply has also been a problem for the Ukrainian crews, with the tanks often equipped with the wrong type of ammunition for the current fight. The crew highlighted that they require ammunition suitable for artillery purposes rather than for direct tank-to-tank encounters.

Russian analysts have openly mocked the performance of the Abrams tanks, referring to them as "empty tin cans." The capture of a damaged tank and its subsequent display in Red Square further exacerbated the embarrassment for Ukraine.

The Ukrainian crew expressed frustration that the tanks were designed for NATO-style warfare, which heavily relies on air power and artillery in coordination with tanks and infantry. However, Ukraine lacks adequate artillery and air support, leading to an imbalance in their military operations.

In response to these revelations, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian defense ministry stated that Ukraine is continuously working to test and improve equipment that was not initially prepared for their particular war scenario. The country has urged all nations to support them by providing equipment of any technical capacity levels.

While the US's decision to supply the Abrams tanks was seen as a significant show of support, delayed assistance and inadequate equipment have resulted in mounting frustration among the Ukrainian forces. As each delay costs lives on the frontlines, the urgency for assistance from their allies is intensifying.

The flaws exposed in the US-supplied Abrams tanks underscore the need for continuous improvements and adaptation to meet the specific challenges faced by Ukrainian forces. As the conflict enters its third year, Ukraine remains hopeful for increased support from its allies, with expectations of military trainers from France and the potential arrival of F-16s in the near future.

CNN has reached out to the Pentagon for comment on the concerns raised by the Ukrainian crews. The outcome of these discussions may shed light on potential solutions to address the vulnerabilities plaguing the Abrams tanks and enhance the effectiveness of Ukrainian forces in their fight against Russian aggression.

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The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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