Kyiv, Ukraine — Ukrainian soldiers operating US-supplied Abrams tanks have uncovered significant vulnerabilities in these armored vehicles, raising concerns about their effectiveness in the ongoing conflict.
According to a report by CNN, the tanks, which were provided by President Joe Biden as a gesture of support, have been found to be inadequately armored against modern threats such as drones.
A Ukrainian soldier, known by the call sign Joker, disclosed that the tank’s armor fails to offer sufficient protection for the crew in the current drone-dominated warfare.
His comrade echoed these sentiments, stating that the Abrams tanks have become primary targets on the battlefield. “Without protection, the crew does not survive,” he emphasized.
In response, crews have improvised additional protection, such as attaching explosive plates to create counter-blasts against incoming shells.
On the eastern front, Ukrainian soldiers trained in Germany have expressed concerns that the Abrams tanks are not suited to Ukraine’s combat conditions.
The tanks were originally designed for NATO-style warfare, which relies heavily on air power and artillery support—resources that Ukraine lacks. Highlighting this discrepancy, a Ukrainian fighter impersonated a NATO soldier, saying, “Call the air force, call the artillery,” to underscore the strategic mismatch.
Technical problems have further complicated the deployment of Abrams tanks. CNN reported witnessing a tank immobilized due to engine issues shortly after arriving from Poland. Soldiers noted that rain or fog can cause condensation, damaging the tank’s electronics.
Additionally, they encountered issues with the ammunition, finding that the provided munitions were more suited for direct tank battles rather than the artillery role they often play in Ukraine.
Russia has seized upon these issues, mocking the Abrams tanks as “empty cans.” A damaged Abrams was even captured and displayed in Moscow’s Red Square.
Ukrainian Defense Ministry officials acknowledged that Ukraine is adapting equipment not initially intended for their war.
They have requested support from all countries, regardless of the technical capabilities of the equipment, and continue to use everything they receive to the best of their ability.
The performance of the Abrams tanks has been a disappointment for Ukraine, which had hoped that the advanced US models would surpass their old Soviet-era tanks that frequently malfunctioned.
However, the sophisticated US tanks have shown little improvement in practice. Ukrainian soldiers reported that drones can easily detect and target the tanks, and the armor’s vulnerability to these attacks has led to some tanks being quietly withdrawn from the front lines.
Despite the formidable reputation and high cost of the Abrams tanks—approximately 10 million USD each—their effectiveness in Ukraine’s current war conditions is being questioned.
The changing nature of warfare, particularly with the prevalence of drones, has limited the mobility and impact of these armored vehicles, making them more of a liability than an asset on the battlefield.
As the conflict continues, Ukrainian forces are adapting to the realities on the ground, using every available resource to the best of their abilities. The experience with the Abrams tanks underscores the broader challenges faced by Ukraine in integrating foreign military aid into its defense strategy and highlights the evolving nature of modern warfare.