The Complex M1 Abrams Tank Logistics Ukraine May Struggle With | WSJ

The M1 Abrams tank is one of the most powerful ground weapons in the U.S. arsenal, but it poses some serious challenges for the Ukrainian army in their fight against Russian forces. As the Russia-Ukraine War carries on, Ukraine is in need of more military support from Western nations for their counteroffensive.

WSJ explores how the tank’s complicated technology and turbine engine could be a big issue for Ukrainian forces, and why President Biden felt pressured to send them.

0:00 M1 Abrams’ features
0:51 Complicated tech and repairs
3:05 Logistics issues for refueling
5:10 Ukrainian supply chains
5:54 Why the U.S. sent tanks

Russia-Ukraine Conflict
WSJ’s latest news coverage around the 2022-2023 Russia-Ukraine conflict.

#Ukraine #Abrams #WSJ

[wsj]

The Wagner Group has become the face of the Russian assault in Ukraine.

[TheBongReyes]

People forget, or simply ignores, the sheer size of the US military’s logistical support infrastructure. It’s not about knowing how to use an Abrams, it’s about maintaining the Abrams to be effective.

Anyone who drives a Honda Accord can drive a Ferrari. But there are certain parts and systems of a Ferrari than your local automotive mechanic would know how to fix and/or maintain.

[calebwhite]

At least he admitted they've been fighting Russia since 2014, since the coup. People think Russia just randomly decided to invade one day.

[cl]

The Ukrainians were able to operate the Patriot system fantastically, and were even asking for extra training from the Americans after completing their courses faster than expected. We're definitely underestimating them, I think they'll do okay.

[phbrinsden]

I’m pretty sure Ukrainians can manage these. They have exceeded all expectations in all matters. They are excellent engineers and smart.

[_Dk]

As a former Cavalry soldier, the M1 like the M2 and M3 are mechanical nightmares. I wish them well.

[salahuddinyusuf]

Finally, a news outlet that admits the Abrams can also use high quality diesel and not just the mythical jet fuel only supplied by American fairies once every blue moon. Also, I can see why we decided to go partially electric for the next gen tank. At least with the Abrams X you're not chugging fuel during idle time.

[AndrewWellsPlus]

A lot of these problems apply to all tanks not just M1 Abrams. The big thing they hit on is the length of the supply chain going all the way back to the US. But a lot of that can overcome by supplying Ukraine with plenty of initial supplies and setting up bigger depots for Abrams parts in Poland or Romania.

[mattkelly]

With specialty training in the US or elsewhere I don't worry about ability of maintainers, I worry about ability of getting and keeping enough stuff into a warzone through several hands

[guybeingaguy]

My battalion in Germany got some of the first M1 tanks in the mid 80’s.

The night vision is insane on them.
Also once you click and lock on target, that’s it. The systems take it from there, target destroyed.

I think this anticipated counter offensive will look similar to the onslaught and subsequent slaughter in Kuwait/Desert Shield.

[joetuktyyuktuk]

Running several different kinds of tanks, is not preferable... but it is necessary, because no single provider of tanks would supply the needed number. The U.S. really were the only nation that has a large enough supply of modern tanks, to supply one kind of tank... even with the mixed bag of tanks Ukraine still needs more tanks. Even with the complicated logistics, having multiple different tanks is better than having no tanks at all.

[valentinursu]

Wow, It's a guy who operated the tank for a decade, versus some choleric WSJ Editor who thinks switching tanks is like switching commercial cars. With the NATO tanks, the Ukrainian army is like a cobra now, they have one bite, they need to chose where and bite hard. It's make or break, repairing tanks in the field is too complex to worry about, routing the Russians in 2 weeks is what they need to think about.

[philipp]

The M1 can also run on diesel. So yeah.

[maximad]

I think the one thing this video missed is the parts can also be made in Egypt where the tank manufacturer of the Abrams tank is also located/second HQ who have been there since 90's when upgrading the Egyptians tank force.

So you really don't need take it all the way too the US.

[desmosoldier]

Logistics, logistics, logistics. You can gel a tank crew fairly quickly on what needs to be done, but crew, unit and installation maintenance AND POL/Parts availability keep them on mission.

[mukeexf]

M1 Abrams is unsuitable for modern high intensity warfare. The Soviets new that complexity is a detriment and built their tanks small, cheap and easy to supply and repair.

[archigoel]

Toyota to....Tesla. LOL. Tesla is super simple. It automates so much of driving that its learning curve is actually very low. Abhram, looks like much more complicated design.

[aleksandarm]

Ukrainians don't seem to worry about logistics after absorbing different types of western equipment. They will be much better with those tanks than without them.

[qasimmir]

Tanks in general are logistics heavy during operations. However I do think the Abrams is most troublesome in this respect I’d say. Main because of the fuel consumption and somewhat the parts and maintenance being thousands of miles away. Challenger 2 is a much better option fuel range wise, as it has the most. But there’s only 14 available and a limited ammo supply. Leopard 2 would be the most comfortable for Ukraine to operate logistically.

[volition]

Every tank, T-72 included, needs a logistical support chain with fuel, ammo and repair depots. And just like T-72 or any other tank, Abrams is also vulnerable to ATGMs, mines and loitering munitions. Ukraine designed and built a lot of the Soviet armor, they have their own tank factories and a lot of experienced engineers and technicians that can use Skype. Besides, Poland operates M1 and has all or most of the infrastructure and repair facilities needed for whatever can't be done locally. I always wondered why US makes it sounds like their tank is some kind of a spaceship that is so incredibly difficult to maintain and operate.