Australian tanks arrive in Ukraine after nine-month wait
The Albanese government announced it would provide Ukraine with 49 M1A1 Abrams tanks last October, but their delivery was held up by bureaucratic delays in the United States Congress, which needed to approve the transfer.
Defence Minister Richard Marles said the tanks 'will make a significant contribution to Ukraine's ongoing fight against Russia's illegal and immoral invasion'.
'I was pleased to meet the Australian Army personnel who helped facilitate the delivery of these tanks from Australia to Ukraine,' Marles said.
'Australia remains steadfast in our support for Ukraine and seeing a just and lasting peace.'
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The majority of the tanks have now been delivered to the Ukrainian armed forces, with a final tranche to arrive in coming months.
The government declined to provide the exact number of tanks that have been provided so far, but sources not authorised to speak publicly said it was around 40.
The tank support package is valued at $245 million, bringing the value of Australia's total contribution to Ukraine since the war began to $1.5 billion.
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