23 December 2025
Abrams tanks, which the Ukrainian Armed Forces recently received from Australia, have seen their first battle in the Donetsk region. To protect the vehicles from the occupiers’ drones, the Ukrainian military has equipped them with passive protection devices, such as fishing nets.
A video of the Australian tanks’ baptism of fire was posted on the Facebook page of the 425th Separate Assault Regiment “Skelya”, which is armed with these tanks. During operations in the city of Pokrovsk, Donetsk Oblast, the tanks covered the retreat of assault groups.
To counter Russian FPV drones, the tank was equipped with passive protection and screens with dynamic protection in the form of “Kontakt-1” blocks, as well as “hoods” made of fishing nets.
The control panel inside the tank has been “Ukrainized.” This will make it easier for Ukrainian tankers who do not speak English to operate the combat vehicle.
What preceded
Earlier, Australia completed the delivery of 49 M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine as part of military assistance to strengthen the defense capabilities of our country. The tanks were delivered by sea from the port of Geelong, the journey took about 55 days.
The cost of the delivery is estimated at approximately $245 million, and the entire Australian aid package to Ukraine exceeds $1.7 billion, most of which will be directed specifically to defense needs. The equipment was prepared for operation by specialists in armored vehicles, logistics and mechanics so that Ukrainian fighters could use it immediately.
As OBOZ.UA reported, next year Germany will transfer a large number of AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles to Ukraine. The weapons provided will not be new, but taken from Bundeswehr warehouses, so as not to wait for production.
We will also recall that British Defense Minister John Healy stated that London will send Ukraine a new package of military assistance to strengthen air defense, totaling 600 million pounds sterling.