In the coming weeks, the United States is set to train Ukrainian forces to operate and repair U.S. Abrams tanks. According to two representatives from the Department of Defense, American made Abrams tanks that will be used for training will arrive in Germany within the next several days. The operation aims to prepare Ukrainian crews to maintain and handle the tanks under American supervision before deployment to active duty.
A total of 31 M1A1 Abrams tanks are expected to reach the Grafenwöhr training site in Germany by mid to late May. After a short maintenance window, training is scheduled to start within one to two weeks. The effort is part of a broader program to build allied capabilities and readiness, with instructors and sustainment personnel accompanying the equipment to Germany.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin will disclose the plan at a press conference following the 11th meeting of the Ukraine Contact Group at Ramstein Air Base. The briefing will outline the training timeline and the purpose of the exercise, which centers on practical proficiency, safety protocols, and proper handling of the tanks within a structured learning environment.
The anticipated training period for Ukrainian personnel is about ten weeks. Approximately 250 Ukrainian soldiers are expected to participate in the course, focusing on gunnery, tactical operation, maintenance procedures, and platform interoperability with allied forces. The program seeks to ensure trainees can operate the Abrams safely and sustain the vehicles in field conditions.
News outlets such as Politico have noted that the tanks used for this Germany-based training are not identical to the tanks that will eventually be delivered to Kyiv for battlefield use. The distinction underscores staged delivery and a phased approach to equipment fielding, with training assets separated from combat assets.
Sabrina Singh, formerly the deputy Pentagon spokesperson, has referenced ongoing plans to deploy Abrams tanks to Kyiv by year’s end. Her comments reflect an expectation of continued support and equipment shipments in the coming months as part of broader security assistance.
In March, U.S. officials clarified that the rollout would not involve new vehicles created at the Pentagon for Kyiv. Instead, the effort would rely on existing inventory and logistics channels to provide the necessary hardware without implying a sudden surge of freshly manufactured tanks. The stance aligns with a measured approach to arms support while maintaining steady military readiness across allied forces.