Ukraine’s 47th Mechanized Brigade has unveiled significant upgrades to its M1A1 Abrams tanks, marking a key step in its adaptation to modern battlefield threats amid the ongoing war with Russia. After 15 months of intense fighting on the eastern front, the brigade rotated off the front lines in September and has since upgraded its surviving tanks with new defensive systems, showcased in a video released on October 7.
The U.S.-supplied M1A1 SA-UKR Abrams tanks, part of a 31-tank delivery from September 2023, have been equipped with Kontakt-1 reactive armor, anti-drone cage armor, and radio jammers designed to protect against anti-tank missiles and explosive drones. The reactive armor explodes outward to deflect incoming missiles, while the cage armor and jammers work to disable and block drones.
🇺🇸-made M1 Abrams in service with the 47th Mechanized Brigade💪 pic.twitter.com/LFkjBLX1w9
— In Ukraine (@InUKRofficial) October 8, 2024
A Bradley M2A2 ODS-SA of the 47th Brigade pic.twitter.com/Kv3I0frloJ
— 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝕯𝔢𝔞𝔡 𝕯𝔦𝔰𝔱𝔯𝔦𝔠𝔱△ 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇺🇲🇬🇷 (@TheDeadDistrict) September 14, 2024
Despite the upgrades, Ukraine’s tank force has suffered losses. Analysts from Oryx, a military intelligence group, have confirmed that at least six Abrams tanks have been destroyed and eight damaged or abandoned, leaving the brigade with an estimated 17 to 25 operational tanks.
There are discussions that Australia may donate 59 surplus M1A1SA tanks to help replenish Ukraine’s forces. If confirmed, this would strengthen the brigade’s capabilities, potentially allowing it to form a second tank battalion. However, until then, the brigade’s remaining tanks will continue to bear the brunt of the conflict, reinforced with new armor to prolong their battlefield effectiveness.
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