Key Takeaways:

• Australia has donated 49 M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine to aid in its fight against Russia’s invasion.
• The tanks were transported from Australia to Poland and then to Ukraine in a complex logistical operation involving the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and other personnel.
• The ADF team worked to prepare the tanks for delivery, conducting final checks and maintenance to ensure they were ready for use.
• The tanks are expected to make a significant impact on the battlefield, despite concerns about their age and vulnerability to drone attacks.
• Australia has contributed $1.7 billion to Ukraine’s defences since the start of the conflict, making it the largest non-NATO contributor of financial and military aid.

Introduction to the Operation
On a bleak winter’s day in Poland, a secret operation was underway to deliver a dozen M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, which is currently engaged in a brutal war with Russia. The Australian Defence Force (ADF) granted the ABC exclusive access to the classified operation, which involved transporting the tanks from Australia to Poland and then to Ukraine. The ADF team worked tirelessly to prepare the tanks for delivery, conducting final checks and maintenance to ensure they were ready for use. The operation was shrouded in secrecy to ensure the safe transport of the tanks and to avoid compromising the security of Ukrainian military operations.

The Journey Begins
The journey of the final dozen tanks began in Geelong, Victoria, in October, when they were loaded onto a dedicated cargo ship. Five ADF personnel accompanied the armoured vehicles on the 55-day journey to the Northern Hemisphere. Lance Corporal Jordan Upton, one of the personnel on board, described the experience as "overwhelming" and "scary" but also "exciting" to be a part of. The crew on the ship included four Ukrainians, who shared their stories and experiences with the ADF personnel, highlighting the human impact of the conflict.

Maintenance and Preparation
Once the tanks arrived in Poland, they were brought to a classified location where a team of 16 ADF personnel worked to prepare them for delivery. The team, led by Lieutenant Mitchell Walker, conducted thorough checks on each tank, including the turret, weapons systems, optics systems, and tracks. The process took seven days to complete, and the team worked tirelessly to ensure that the tanks were ready for use. The ADF team also worked to source last-minute tools and equipment, with purchasing Corporal Emma Barwick describing the task as "a massive job" that required a lot of "running around."

Security and Logistics
The ADF team took extensive measures to ensure the security and logistics of the operation. The team worked closely with Ukrainian officials to coordinate the transport of the tanks, and two ADF personnel accompanied the armoured vehicles on the train from Poland to Ukraine. The rest of the team followed by road, ensuring that the tanks were safely delivered to their destination. The ADF team also worked to maintain the secrecy of the operation, avoiding any actions that could compromise the security of Ukrainian military operations.

The Significance of the Donation
The donation of the M1A1 Abrams tanks is a significant contribution to Ukraine’s defence efforts. Despite concerns about the age and vulnerability of the tanks, they are still considered to be highly capable platforms. Colonel James Smith, commander of Operation Kudu, stated that the tanks would make a significant impact on the battlefield, and that the ADF was committed to providing support to Ukraine. The tanks are expected to be used in conjunction with other military equipment and strategies to counter the Russian invasion.

Challenges and Concerns
The operation was not without its challenges and concerns. The tanks are vulnerable to drone attacks, which have been used effectively by Russian forces. However, the ADF team is confident that the tanks will still be effective on the battlefield. The tanks are also in their most basic form, and it will be up to their new owners to make any modifications to improve their effectiveness. Despite these challenges, the ADF team is proud of the work they have done to support Ukraine, and they are committed to continuing to provide assistance to the country.

Conclusion
The delivery of the M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine is a significant milestone in the country’s fight against Russian aggression. The ADF team worked tirelessly to prepare the tanks for delivery, and their efforts will have a lasting impact on the conflict. The operation highlights the importance of international cooperation and support in times of conflict, and it demonstrates Australia’s commitment to providing assistance to those in need. As the conflict in Ukraine continues, it is likely that the ADF will continue to play a significant role in supporting the country’s defence efforts.