U.S.-made M1A1 Situational Awareness Abrams Tanks Spotted at Ukraine's Donetsk

The 47th Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces revealed the deployment of M1A1 Situational Awareness (SA) Abrams main battle tanks.

The information surfaced through a report on the NOELREPORTS media platform, shared on X, and originally broadcast by the We-Ukraine TV channel.

Footage from the Avdiivka area showcased M1A1 SA tanks in desert camouflage, a departure from previous sightings of Ukrainian Abrams tanks in a three-color camouflage scheme. The Ukrainian military had received 31 M1A1 SA Abrams tanks as part of U.S. military aid.

The journey of these Abrams tanks to Ukraine began in May 2023, with 200 Ukrainian troops undergoing training on M1 Abrams tanks at a U.S. military base in Germany. Training covered both operational and maintenance aspects, and by early August, the United States officially approved the transfer of the initial batch of Abrams tanks to Ukraine.

Originally, funds from the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) were earmarked for new equipment, but the decision was made to refurbish tanks from U.S. Army reserves. The military aid package also included depleted uranium tank armor-piercing projectiles.

President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, acknowledged the arrival of the initial batch of 31 Abrams tanks on September 25, 2023. All promised M1 Abrams tanks were reportedly transferred to Ukraine by October 2023. These tanks are said to be deployed to the frontline near Avdiivka, a city experiencing intense battles.

Recent reports indicate that these Abrams tanks are equipped with Abrams Reactive Armor (ARAT-1) kits, a component of the Tank Urban Survival Kit (TUSK) that offers protection against various threats.

The M1A1 SA variant boasts upgraded capabilities, including an enhanced laser rangefinder, thermal imaging camera, stabilized sight, and a remotely controlled weapon system for precise firing while in motion. The Blue Force Tracking system facilitates 'friend or foe' identification.