GeelongPort central to Australia arming Ukraine with Abrams tanks
A large number of Ukraine-bound military tanks were loaded under the cover of darkness in Geelong. SEE THE VIDEO.
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Geelong has played a central role in Australia supplying Ukraine with military hardware that will be on the frontline in its ongoing war with Russia.
The initial batch of second-hand M1A1 Abrams tanks were loaded onto a vessel at GeelongPort in May, a fact unable to be shared until now because of security reasons.
The tanks that departed Geelong – believed to number close to 40 – are now in the possession of the Ukrainian military.
Ukrainian ambassador Vasyl Myroshnychenko visited Geelong during the loading to thank army personnel, as did Australian defence minister and local MP Richard Marles.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced in October that Australia would gift Ukraine 49 of the American-made tanks, valued at approximately $245m.
The second tranche is expected to be delivered later this year.
“The M1A1 Abrams tanks will make a significant contribution to Ukraine’s ongoing fight against Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion,” Mr Marles said.
“I was pleased to meet the Australian Army personnel who helped facilitate the delivery of these tanks from Australia to Ukraine.
“Australia remains steadfast in our support for Ukraine and seeing a just and lasting peace.”
It was reported in April that delivery of the tanks had been delayed because Australia had to wait for formal permission from the US to export the vehicles to a third party.
Mr Marles’ cabinet colleague Pat Conroy said the tanks were a direct request from the Ukrainian government and form part of Australia’s commitment to protect the global rules-based order.
“These modified M1A1 Abrams tanks will deliver more firepower and more mobility to the Ukrainian armed forces,” the defence industry minister said.
The tanks form part of $1.5bn in assistance Australia has committed to Ukraine since the start of this conflict more than three years ago.
In August, Australia will deploy a Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail aircraft to Europe to help protect a vital international gateway for assistance to Ukraine.
The Australian Defence Force also continues to contribute to multinational efforts to train Ukrainian military personnel under Operation Kudu.
The Australian Army is in the process of replacing its M1A1 fleet with M1A2s.
To support the transition, the Australian Army has retained a small number of M1A1 Abrams tanks.
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Originally published as GeelongPort central to Australia arming Ukraine with Abrams tanks
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