Ukrainian forces have used a US-supplied Abrams tank in combat, providing fire support during an assault operation in eastern Ukraine’s Pokrovsk, according to the unit involved.
Soldiers of the 425th Separate Assault Regiment Skala of Ukraine’s Ground Forces deployed the Abrams tank during a battle in the Pokrovsk sector, the regiment’s press service said in a post on Telegram.
“The vehicle provided fire cover for assault groups in Pokrovsk,” the regiment said.
The post was accompanied by video footage showing the tank operating alongside infantry units. The video captures the Abrams moving into position and firing at Russian targets as Ukrainian assault groups advance under its protection.
The M1A1 Abrams is a US-made main battle tank equipped with a 120mm cannon and heavy armor. Ukraine is believed to have received up to 80 Abrams from the US and Australia, according to military tracking site Oryx.
The regiment did not disclose further details about the operation or its outcome.
The US Army’s Procurement of Weapons and Tracked Combat Vehicles (W&TCV, Army) report for 2026 includes an allocation of more than $107 million for survivability improvements to almost 400 of its M1 Abrams fleet.
This includes “stealth enhancing” paint, “belly” protection against improvised explosive devices and mines, laser attack warning receivers and top attack protection.
The Ukrainian armed forces have attempted to improve protection against top attacks on many of its Western tanks, including the M1 Abrams, provided to them since the start of Russia’s 2022 full-scale invasion – fitting the tanks with “cope cages,” explosive reactive armor and belly protection.
This worked for some, such as the German-manufactured Leopard 1 and 2 MBT, but has done little to reduce the losses of its Abrams.