Australia to spend $2.5bn on Abrams tanks, Chinook helicopters from the United States

Australia will purchase 160 new Abrams tanks and four new Chinook helicopters from the United States.

An M1150 Assault Breacher vehicle.

Australia will purchase 160 new Abrams tanks and four new Chinook helicopters from the United States at a combined cost of more than $2.5bn.

The US State Department has given the green light to the sales, which follow last year’s commitment by the Australian government to spend $55bn on new army capabilities over the next decade.

The new tanks are likely to replace 59 Abrams M1A1 Main Battle Tanks operated by the army, but will come in a variety of different configurations.

They will include 75 M1A2 Main Battle Tanks; 29 M1150 Assault Breacher Vehicles; 18 M1074 Joint Assault Bridges; and six M88A2 Hercules Combat Recovery Vehicles.

The vehicles will come with a “unique armour package”, remotely operated weapons stations, and drivers’ vision enhancement system.

The new helicopters, which will supplement the army’s current fleet of 10 CH-47F Chinooks, will come with “customer-unique modifications”, spare engines, navigation and weapons warning systems.

The Defence Strategic Update had pledged new investments in “enhanced mobility, firepower, protection and situational awareness”, but neither the tank or helicopter purchase had been specifically flagged by Defence.

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency said the sales to Australia would further peace and economic stability in the region.

“It is vital to the US national interest to assist our ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defence capability,” it said.

Australia’s Defence Department is yet to comment on the purchase.

The announcement follows the recent approval by the US of the sale of up to 12 armed MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones.