Ukraine has withdrawn the Abrams M1A1 tanks delivered to the US from the front line for the time being, two US military personnel revealed to the AP news agency, stating that Russian drones make it difficult to use the tanks.
In January 2023, the USA agreed to send 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine. At the time, Kyiv emphasized that the tanks, which cost about ten million US dollars a year, are essential for Ukraine to break through Russian defense lines.
But the battlefield has changed significantly since then, with Russia making extensive use of drones for reconnaissance and attacks. They have hampered Ukraine’s ability to protect tanks when they are detected and hunted by Russian drones. Five of the 31 tanks have already been lost to Russian attacks.
The widespread use of drones means there is no open field to drive tanks through without being spotted, a US military official said.
For now, Ukraine has moved tanks further from the front lines and the US will work with Ukraine to adjust its war tactics, said Admiral Christopher Grady, vice chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff.
US tank “Abrams”. Photo: Courtland Wells/The Vicksburg Post
Tags: Due Russian drones Ukraine withdrew USsupplied Abrams tanks front line
