The Harsh Truth about Abrams in Ukraine

Summary

The video addresses debates surrounding the effectiveness of Abrams tanks deployed to Ukraine, exploring misconceptions and providing a detailed comparison between different Abrams models. It emphasizes that the M1A1 SA tanks sent to Ukraine are modern, despite lacking some features of the latest versions. The video explains that Ukrainian tactics prioritize tank preservation due to limited resources, adapting to the challenges posed by drones and artillery. It also highlights issues with spare parts and suggests that without further deliveries, Abrams tanks may become less common on the battlefield.

Takeaways

• 💡 There is significant debate on the effectiveness of Abrams tanks in Ukraine, with some people either making excuses or overexaggerating their performance.
• 🕰️ The Abrams tanks sent to Ukraine are the M1A1 SA variant, a modernization of the M1A1 from 1985, not an outdated model.
• 🔍 The M1A1 SA has many modern features similar to the M1A2 SEP V2, except for the CITV (Commander's Independent Thermal Viewer).
• 🌡️ The M1A1 SA features a remote thermal sight for the commander, but it is uncooled, resulting in a lower detection range compared to cooled thermals.
• 🔧 The armor of the Abrams tanks sent to Ukraine has been altered to prevent advanced technology from being captured by Russia.
• 🎯 Most Abrams tanks in Ukraine have been destroyed by FPV drones and guided artillery shells targeting weak points, not by direct frontal assaults.
• 🚁 The U.S. has recently started incorporating drones into tank training, which were not included during Ukrainian crew training.
• 🔨 Ukrainian forces have adapted their tactics to preserve the tanks, adding additional armor and using them primarily in defensive roles.
• 📉 Abrams tanks were originally designed for Cold War tactics, and the shift in modern warfare, especially with drones, presents new challenges.
• ⏳ Without new deliveries, the number of operational Abrams tanks in Ukraine is dwindling due to losses and the lack of spare parts.

Q & A

What is the actual model of the Abrams tanks sent to Ukraine?

The Abrams tanks sent to Ukraine are the M1A1 SA, a modernization of the M1A1 tank variant that originally entered service in 1985.

How does the M1A1 SA compare to the most modern Abrams tanks like the M1A2 SEPv3?

The M1A1 SA is close in modernization to the M1A2 SEPv2 variant, with key differences being in the commander's thermal viewing capability. The M1A1 SA lacks the Commander's Independent Thermal Viewer (CITV) that allows the commander to search for and designate targets more efficiently.

What is the primary disadvantage of the thermal sighting system on the M1A1 SA compared to the M1A2 SEPv2?

The M1A1 SA uses an uncooled thermal sight for the commander, which provides a lower detection range compared to the cooled thermal sight used in the M1A2 SEPv2. This means the commander has a limited ability to spot targets from a distance.

Why is the armor on Abrams tanks sent to Ukraine considered irrelevant in performance assessments?

The armor on the Abrams tanks sent to Ukraine is a special version, different from that used on U.S. tanks, as the U.S. has a strict policy against exporting its latest armor technology. Since no Abrams in Ukraine has been penetrated from the front, and most losses have been due to attacks on the roof and rear by drones or artillery, the armor differences are less relevant.

What has been the main cause of Abrams tank losses in Ukraine?

Most Abrams tanks in Ukraine have been knocked out by FPV drones or guided artillery shells that target the weak roof and rear armor, not by direct frontal attacks.

How have Ukrainian forces adapted the use of Abrams tanks in their conflict environment?

Ukrainian forces have adopted tactics focused on preserving the tanks, using them primarily for defensive operations and engaging targets from a distance. They have also added additional protective measures like explosive reactive armor and cage armor to protect against drone attacks.

Why haven't large-scale tank assaults been feasible for Ukraine using Abrams tanks?

Ukraine does not have a large stockpile of Abrams tanks and cannot replace losses easily, so they have focused on preserving the tanks they have. Additionally, their previous large-scale assaults with other tanks like Bradleys and Leopards resulted in heavy losses, teaching them the need for more cautious tactics.

What is one major difference between U.S. tank crews and Ukrainian tank crews when it comes to training?

U.S. tank crews have years of training and are now starting to incorporate drones into their training. In contrast, Ukrainian crews went through a crash course lasting several months and had no training in drone warfare, which has been a major factor in their tank losses.

Why are drone threats such a significant issue for Abrams tanks in Ukraine?

Abrams tanks were originally designed to fight in Cold War scenarios where threats primarily came from RPGs and ATGMs. However, in the Ukraine conflict, cheap drones equipped with heat warheads are everywhere, attacking tanks from vulnerable angles like the roof and rear.

What could happen to the Abrams tank presence in Ukraine if the current situation continues?

If the situation does not change, including the lack of spare parts and no new Abrams tank deliveries, we may see fewer and fewer Abrams tanks on the front lines, potentially disappearing altogether.