The US has changed course and is now providing Ukraine with 31 M1-A1 Abrams tanks instead of the newer M1-A2 variants previously planned, Pentagon spokesperson Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder said Tuesday, CNN reports.
"After further study and analysis on how best to do this, DoD in close coordination with Ukraine has made the decision to provide the M1-A1 variant of the Abrams tank, which will enable us to submit significantly expedite delivery timelines and deliver this important capability to Ukraine by the fall of this year," Ryder said at a press conference.
He added that the US would also be providing Ukraine with "advanced armour and weapons systems" that are "very similar capability" to the M1-A2, including a .50-calibre heavy machine gun and 120 mm cannon.