According to two U.S. military officials, Ukraine has put on hold the use of U.S.-provided Abrams M1A1 battle tanks in its ongoing conflict with Russia. This decision stems partly from the increased effectiveness of Russian drone warfare, which has made it challenging for Ukrainian forces to operate the tanks without being detected or targeted.
In January 2023, the U.S. agreed to send 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine following a vigorous lobbying effort by Kyiv, arguing that these tanks were crucial for breaching Russian defensive lines. However, the battlefield dynamics have shifted significantly since then, primarily due to the widespread deployment of Russian surveillance drones and hunter-killer drones. These drones have made it increasingly difficult for Ukrainian forces to protect the tanks, leading to the loss of five tanks to Russian attacks.
A senior defense official, speaking anonymously, emphasized that the proliferation of drones has eliminated the possibility of freely traversing open ground without fear of detection. Consequently, the tanks have been relocated from the front lines, and the U.S. plans to collaborate with Ukrainian forces to reassess tactics.
Joint Chiefs of Staff Vice Chairman Adm. Christopher Grady acknowledged the continued importance of tanks in warfare but highlighted the need for adaptation in the face of evolving threats. He expressed the intention to work with Ukrainian partners to devise strategies suited to the current environment, where drones provide instantaneous reconnaissance.
The revelation about the sidelined tanks coincides with the two-year anniversary of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, a coalition of approximately 50 countries convened to evaluate Ukraine’s military requirements. Recent aid packages, including a $1 billion military assistance package signed by President Joe Biden, signify a broader recalibration of support for Ukrainian forces amid evolving challenges.
The U.S. is set to announce additional long-term military aid amounting to about $6 billion, including coveted munitions for Patriot air defense systems. This aid package underscores the U.S.’s commitment to bolstering Ukraine’s defense capabilities against Russian aggression.
In addition to counter-drone measures, such as modified .50-caliber rounds, the aid package includes alternative vehicles, such as Humvees and Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles, to enhance Ukrainian mobility and versatility on the battlefield. Notably, the U.S. will provide long-range ballistic missiles known as ATACMs, enabling Ukraine to strike deep into Russian-occupied territories while minimizing exposure to drone surveillance and fortified defenses.
Despite the significant threat posed by drones, Ukrainian forces have yet to adopt tactics that could maximize the effectiveness of Abrams tanks. Training sessions conducted by the U.S. focused on combined arms warfare, integrating tanks with other elements of armored forces, infantry, and air support. However, Ukrainian operations have not fully embraced this approach, limiting the tanks’ impact on the battlefield.
Delays in congressional funding have further strained Ukraine’s military capabilities, forcing forces to ration ammunition and contend with overwhelming Russian firepower. In recent engagements, such as the withdrawal from Avdiivka, Ukrainian forces faced considerable challenges, including Russian glide bombs and hunter-killer drones, with limited resources and ammunition.