Ukrainian soldiers complete M1 Abrams training in Germany: Politico
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A couple of hundred Ukrainian soldiers completing their training on US M1 Abrams tanks and await their deployment on the frontline against Russia.
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US Army Abrams tanks of the 2nd Brigade 69th Regiment 2nd Battalion pictured at Mockava railway station in Lithuania, on September 5, 2020. (AFP)
Ukrainian operators have completed their training program on US M1 Abrams tanks, Politico reported on Thursday.
Kiev hopes that the US tanks could act as a potential asset to bolster its forces and overcome Russia's fortified defenses.
Approximately 200 Ukrainian soldiers have undergone training at US Army facilities located in Germany, a US Army spokesperson, Colonel Martin O'Donnell, told Politico. The training culminated in a combined arms battalion-level force-on-force exercise conducted at Hohenfels Training Area.
In preparation for the eventual deployment of these tanks into the frontline, Ukrainian soldiers continue to prepare at the Grafenwoehr Army base in Germany, as explained by O'Donnell.
In mid-September, Ukraine is set to receive the first batch of ten out of a total of 31 promised Abrams tanks, Politico said, citing unnamed US Defense Department sources. Western officials anticipate that the arrival of these tanks will provide Ukrainian forces with a potential edge as they continue their counteroffensive against Russia's formidable defenses.
The Defense Department has confirmed that ten M1 Abrams tanks are currently in Germany, where they are undergoing final refurbishments, to be later transported to Ukraine.
Colonel O'Donnell stated, "The U.S. is committed to expedite delivery of the 31 tanks to Ukraine by the fall," as he refrained from providing a specific timeline.
US officials are hopeful that the arrival of the Abrams tanks will provide Ukraine with a strategic advantage; however, similar sentiments were expressed when Ukraine received deliveries of the German upgraded Leopard 2 models, which did not meet Western expectations on the battleground.
An unnamed Defense Department official, while acknowledging the potency of the Abrams tanks, noted that they are not a panacea, as he claimed that Ukrainian determination will be the deciding factor in regard to the success of its counteroffensive.
It is important to note that the Abrams tanks are part of a larger force consisting of approximately 300 tanks pledged by Western allies. This includes Leopard 2 tanks from Spain and Germany, Challenger tanks from the UK, and light Leclerc tanks from France.
Read more: US downgrades Abrams tanks sent to Ukraine for fear of being captured
US-led NATO expands Ukraine war
Earlier on Tuesday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken revealed that a new military package worth $250 million comprised of AIM-9X Block II missiles, Javelin man-portable missiles, 155mm and 105mm artillery rounds, High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) missiles, and three million small caliber rounds.
Blinken said the package "includes AIM-9M missiles for air defense, munitions for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, 155mm and 105mm artillery ammunition, mine-clearing equipment, Javelin, and other anti-armor systems and rockets, over 3 million rounds of small arms ammunition, ambulances, demolition munitions for obstacle clearing, as well as spare parts, services, training, and transportation."
Moreover, the US Defense Department revealed that the new package will further encompass TOW anti-tank and Hydra-70 air-to-ground missiles.
According to the Defense Department, "The capabilities in this package, valued at up to $250 million, include… tube-launched, optically-tracked, wire-guided (TOW) missiles... and Hydra-70 rockets."
Meanwhile, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said the United States is confident in its ability to provide assistance to Ukraine through the end of the fiscal year.
"We’re confident that we will have enough money to meet Ukraine’s need through the fiscal year," Singh said during a press briefing.
However, the Pentagon hoped that Congress would pass a supplemental funding request for further Ukraine aid, Singh added.
Read more: US pledges Ukraine $250mln worth of military package of munitions
