Revealing the 'mortal grave' of the M1 Abrams tank on the Ukrainian battlefield.

Earlier this year, US President Joe Biden agreed to send Ukraine the most lethal armored vehicle in the country's military arsenal - the Abrams tank. 

General Mark Milley - Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, praised the importance of the M1 Abrams main battle tank when it was delivered to Kyiv.

According to Mr. Milley, M1 Abrams is the best tank in the world and will make a difference after delivery. "However, Abrams will give Ukraine an advantage but not decisive. The evolution of the Ukrainian battlefield depends on many variables, not a single weapon system, so modern American tanks must be combined with infantry, artillery, and many types of forces. Other weapons," the US general said.

The "hard to destroy" machine

The US developed the M1 Abrams from 1972 to 1975 and operated this tank in 1980. This is the 3rd generation main battle tank (MBT), with over 6,000 units manufactured, handled, or stored in many parts of the world.

The M1 Abrams tank has a combat mass of more than 60 tons, operated by a crew of 4. The vehicle is equipped with NATO standard 120 mm cannon, a 7.62 mm coaxial gun, and a 12.7 mm gun, and can reach a maximum speed of 72 km / h on flat roads or 48 km / h on complex terrain thanks to the engine—HoneywellAGT 1500 hp.

According to the US military, Abrams tanks are "hard to destroy" machines because they are equipped with advanced composite armor, providing an effective defense against enemy fire.

Fuel and shells of M1 Abrams are stored in separate compartments to prevent bullets and fuel explosion if the vehicle is hit. With the M1 Abrams' integrated computerized fire control system, the gunner can hit the target by simply "pointing and firing."

In addition, Abrams can hit targets at long distances, day and night, in all weather conditions, thanks to the fire control and sound sighting systems.

While most modern tanks run on diesel, the Abrams uses a Honeywell gas turbine engine that produces 1,500 hp, which works best when using JP-8 jet fuel for jet force. This gives the Abrams powerful power generation, accelerating quickly while minimizing noise generation.

"Death grave" of M1 Abrams on the Ukrainian battlefield

Possesses such advanced technical characteristics, experts say that the M1 Abrams is difficult to maximize efficiency on the Ukrainian battlefield.

With a front line stretching nearly 1,000km, a base of about three tank battalions that the West promised to aid could not reverse the conflict. Still, it could only help Kyiv's forces increase their advantage in an area of ​​influence—minimal combat.

With three main fronts in Lugansk, Donetsk, and Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine needs at least three divisions equivalent to at least 900 tanks, a massive number that the West cannot respond quickly to.

Besides, unlike the battlefields that the West overwhelms in the Middle East, the Russian army possesses modern, powerful, and dense anti-tank and reconnaissance weapons, helping them to seize the initiative and take the industry. Ready to attack as soon as an opening is detected.

Although tanks play a nuclear role with ground combat groups, they must be supported by equipment, fire support, and logistics – which Ukraine lacks.

The M1 Abrams has a gas turbine engine, which gives it more significant acceleration than a diesel engine but requires more complex maintenance and consumes more fuel, the Financial Times reports.

According to reports, Abram consumes nearly 4 liters of fuel per kilometer of road. In 1993, Sweden compared the M1 with the Leopard 2 and discovered that the American tank destroyed twice as much gasoline as the Leopard 2.

Furthermore, most of the tanks Ukraine had operated since before the conflict broke out, as well as the German Leopard 2 and British Challenger 2 tanks that the country is about to receive, use diesel engines. This means it will be difficult for Ukraine to secure a sufficient supply of its fuel for Abrams. Abrams can also use diesel fuel, which requires Ukraine to double its maintenance efforts.

"Also, training these tank crewmen will take longer. The same logistical shortcomings can make Abrams tanks a burden for Ukraine and can easily become "prey" for Russian attacks," said Josh Kirshner, director of the strategic consulting firm. Beacon Global Strategies Strategy warns.