Australia gives 49 M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine during the ongoing conflict.

Australia will give 49 of its old M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine. Ukraine asked for these tanks a few months ago. The Australian government is replacing these tanks with 75 newer M1A2 tanks.

The Minister of Defense in Australia, Richard Marles, said this was not the plan before. But he said things have changed and now they can give the tanks. He said Australia is always talking to Ukraine about how to help them.

Marles said Australia is giving Ukraine the tanks because they are still good and can help in the fight. He also said the United States gave permission for Australia to give the tanks to Ukraine. This permission was needed because the United States made the tanks.

The United States also gave Ukraine 31 Abrams tanks earlier this year. Ukraine said they really needed these tanks to fight against Russia. Australia said Ukraine can use the tanks however they need to, as long as they follow international law.

Ukraine's Ambassador to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, was happy about the tanks. He said the tanks will help Ukraine a lot and are what they need. Australia has given Ukraine over AU$1.3 billion ($866 million) in military help since Russia invaded in 2022.