US downgrades Abrams tanks sent to Ukraine for fear of being captured
U.S. officials and military experts emphasized that it was a necessary precaution in case the Russians capture one of the vehicles and exploit them for intelligence.
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A U.S. walks near Abrams battle tanks near Vilnius, Lithuania, on Oct. 21, 2019 (AP)
USA Today reported that the delivery of the M1 Abrams will be delayed, projecting the tanks will probably not be employed by the Ukrainian forces in the initial phases of the anticipated counteroffensive.
The delay is reportedly due to the tanks being stripped of sensitive technology in fear of them being apprehended by Russian forces during combat.
U.S. officials and military experts emphasized that it was a necessary precaution in case the Russians capture one of the vehicles and exploit them for intelligence.
"It may or may not present opportunities for Russia to do testing on it, and to look for vulnerabilities," Colin Smith, an expert on the Russian military, was quoted as saying.
The Pentagon typically sends downgraded versions of its weapons technology to allied countries to save the most technologically advanced weapons for their own army, and in the case of Ukraine, there is also the risk of Russian apprehension of the tech.
Read more: US expediting delivery of M1A1 Abrams tanks, Patriot system to Ukraine
Back in April, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced that The United States is expediting its timeline for providing M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine.
US media reported that 31 Abrams tanks would arrive in Germany soon, with training expected to last for 10 weeks, while the tanks themselves are expected to reach Ukraine by fall, the reports said.
US Defense Department spokesperson Pat Ryder said in late March that the United States would adhere to its "expedited timeline" to deliver the Patriot aid and missile defense system to Ukraine.
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