Remember when people doubted Ukraine’s ability to properly maintain American Abrams M1 tanks? This is an Ukrainian tech crew performing an engine replacement in the field.

7 comments

1. Ukrainian ingenuity and engineering know-how never ceases to amaze me.

2. I don’t think anyone thought they would be able to do it, just that it would take time to become proficient.

3. This image looks like a photo from the Vietnam war – the only thing that gives it away is the trees lol

4. Western Tanks, pack changes are quite simple with the correct training. I am sure the Ukrainians received that training, as someone else said, it just takes time to become proficient.

   All depends on the tank crew as well, if it’s a field repair, before the mechanics arrive, you want the crew to have prepped the pack for lift. It’s then a case of lifting it out, replacing and plugging in. It’s a fairly quick process for well trained crews.

5. Few people doubt Ukraine’s technical ability, however I recall there being concern over supply chain and long-tail maintenance issues which are still a problem. Even Leo 2 crews are having to wait for parts. IIRC United24 covered this in a recent-ish interview with a Leo 2 tank crew.

   Everything that goes to the front is by car/truck, and it’s a big front line so there are delays. Americans have the luxury of air-delivered parts and solid logistics. Perhaps a super-heavy (aviation fuel drinking) drone for logistics is the answer in contested airspace.

   That all said, give Ukraine more Western tanks. Lots more. They’ll work the rest out.

6. I don’t think many people seriously doubted Ukraine’s ability to maintain Abrams. If there’s one thing Ukraine has shown the world it’s that they shouldn’t be underestimated.

   I think the main concern was that they’re a much bigger strain on logistics to keep in the field compared to Leopard and Challenger etc.

7. There were doubts? By who?