Logistics, weight and weather conditions cause problems: Abrams tanks arrive late – and now only cause problems

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US President Joe Biden (80) had already promised Ukraine the Abrams tanks in January. Germany then sent its Leopard 2 tanks, which have been used by the armed forces in Kiev for months. However, the American tanks were long overdue.

At the end of September, after a long wait, the first Abrams tanks arrived in Ukraine. The U.S. military said the remaining 31 arrived Monday, according to Newsweek. Colonel Martin O’Donnell, spokesman for the US military, told US radio station Voice of America: “We have kept our end of the bargain.”

All Ukrainian fighters trained on American-made tanks have returned to Ukraine. The tanks were delivered together with ammunition and spare parts. Now it’s Ukraine’s turn.

Tanks “couldn’t make a difference”

“This year it seems too late to make a real difference in Ukraine’s struggling efforts in the south and east of the country,” Ukrainian parliamentarian Oleksiy Goncharenko, 42, told Newsweek. Even though Kiev is grateful for the donations, 31 tanks “couldn’t make a difference.”

Marina Miron, a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of War Studies at King’s College London, agrees. Because Ukraine has only about two tank companies, new supply lines for ammunition and spare parts need to be established. It must also be ensured that sufficient tankers are available for the Ukrainian Abrams operators.

“This not only creates problems for the supply chain, but also provides attractive targets for Russian artillery and drones,” Miron said.

Weather conditions pose another disadvantage

According to analysts, certain characteristics of the Abrams could also make her less suitable for Ukraine. For example, they are much heavier than their Russian counterparts and the models Ukraine has used so far. Military planners must therefore check whether the bridges can support the weight.

Another drawback seems to be the timing: the infamous mud and winter season is only just beginning on the front line in Ukraine. The heavy Abrams would get stuck in the mud, Miron said. She does not see the tanks as a ‘game changer’. On the contrary: “It brings more problems than benefits for the Ukrainian armed forces.”

Only use with proper planning

Rain or shine, Ukraine will continue to fight. In September, Major General Kyrylo Budanov, 37, head of Ukraine’s military intelligence, emphasized: “It is harder to fight when it is cold, wet and muddy.” Nevertheless, the battle will continue and the counter-offensive will continue.

Where the Abrams tanks will be used remains to be seen. “I think Ukraine will think carefully about when and where to use these,” the U.S. military’s O’Donnell said earlier this week. Budanov had already admitted this last month: “They must be deployed in these pioneering operations, but very well prepared.” (gs)

Source: Blick