Key takeaways
- Collins and Bronk argue that stored M1 Abrams tanks would serve U.S. national security far better in Ukrainian service than sitting in Army depots.
- The U.S. military has about 3,500 M1A1/A2 tanks in storage, according to estimates from the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS).
- Abrams tanks could reach Ukraine through presidential drawdown authority, used 30 times for Ukraine, or through the Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022.
- The December 2022 approved sale of 116 M1A1s to Poland suggests the approximate contours of an initial Abrams package for Ukraine.
- The U.S. Army’s roughly 1,000 stored M88A1 armored recovery vehicles provide a ready reserve of mechanical support for Abrams tanks in combat.
Taking incremental risk now to help Ukraine win will help ensure longer-term Eurasian and NATO security.
Full Article: Gabriel B. Collins and Christopher Bronk, “The M1 Abrams Is the Right Tank for the Job in Ukraine,” Foreign Policy, 24 January 2023, https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/01/24/m1-abrams-tank-ukraine-germany-russia-invasion-leopard/
Consider the raw numbers. The U.S. military has about 3,500 M1A1/A2 tanks in storage, according to estimates from the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). Moreover, the United States Marine Corps divested its 450-unit Abrams fleet as part of its long-term strategic reorientation toward Pacific conflict. More than 300 of these tanks have already been transferred to the Army, and the balance that are stored overseas and on maritime prepositioning vessels are slated to be transferred this year. Used U.S. Abrams are already in regional demand, with the State Department approving a sale of 116 M1A1s to Poland in December 2022, along with 12 M88A2 combat recovery vehicles, eight M1110 Joint Assault Bridges, and other miscellaneous items—a transaction that illustrates the approximate contours of what an initial Abrams package to Ukraine might look like.
These tanks would serve U.S. national security interests far better pressed into Ukrainian military service than collecting dust at the Sierra and Anniston Army depots. They could be eligible for transfer under a presidential drawdown, an authority used 30 times thus far to support Ukraine. The U.S. could also use the Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022 to lend or lease surplus (or even active-duty) Abrams tanks to Ukraine.
As tanks are transferred from storage or active formations, more could be reconditioned at the Army tank plant in Lima, Ohio, over time as losses mount or new Ukrainian formations transition to the M1A1/A2. The U.S. Army also has about 1,000 M88A1 armored recovery vehicles in storage, according to IISS, which provides a ready reserve of mechanical support to accompany the Abrams into combat.
Full Article: Gabriel B. Collins and Christopher Bronk, “The M1 Abrams Is the Right Tank for the Job in Ukraine,” Foreign Policy, 24 January 2023, https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/01/24/m1-abrams-tank-ukraine-germany-russia-invasion-leopard/
Frequently asked questions
How many M1 Abrams tanks does the U.S. have in storage?
The U.S. military has about 3,500 M1A1/A2 tanks in storage, according to estimates from the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). The Army also holds about 1,000 M88A1 armored recovery vehicles in storage, which Collins and Bronk say provide a ready reserve of mechanical support to accompany Abrams tanks into combat.
How could the U.S. legally send Abrams tanks to Ukraine?
The U.S. could transfer Abrams tanks to Ukraine under presidential drawdown authority, which had been used 30 times to support Ukraine when the article was written. Washington could also use the Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022 to lend or lease surplus, or even active-duty, Abrams tanks to Ukraine.
What would an initial Abrams tank package for Ukraine look like?
A recent sale to Poland offers a rough template for an initial Abrams package to Ukraine. In December 2022 the State Department approved selling Poland 116 M1A1s, along with 12 M88A2 combat recovery vehicles, eight M1110 Joint Assault Bridges, and other miscellaneous items, showing that tanks need recovery and bridging support.
Where would the extra Abrams tanks for Ukraine come from?
Most would come from Army storage depots such as Sierra and Anniston, plus tanks freed up by the Marine Corps. The Marines divested their 450-unit Abrams fleet, and more than 300 have already gone to the Army. Further tanks could be reconditioned at the Army tank plant in Lima, Ohio, as losses mount.
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