An M1 Abrams tank. Photo by Spc. Kevin Brown/DVIDS
According to the Pentagon, the first group of about 400 Ukrainian soldiers has started training in Germany on how to operate and maintain American M1 Abrams tanks, The New York Times reported on 27 May.
In Germany, approximately 200 troops, equivalent to an armored battalion, have commenced combined arms training at Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels training ranges, according to a statement by Lt-Col Garron Garn, a spokesperson for the Pentagon.
The instruction provided includes basic soldiering tasks such as marksmanship and medical skills, as well as platoon and company-level training, progressing to larger exercises involving battalion-size units engaging in simulated confrontations.
The spokesperson stated that other 200 Ukrainian soldiers started training on tank refueling and maintenance procedures, according to NYT.
Previously announced by Defense Department officials, approximately 31 tanks were designated for shipment to Germany as part of a training program for Ukrainian troops, anticipated to last 10 to 12 weeks, with combat-ready tanks expected to arrive in Ukraine by the fall.
Read also:
- Ukrainians’ Abrams tanks training expected to start in days, Pentagon says – VOA
- Ukraine to receive Abrams tanks by early Autumn – US Defense Secretary
- Ukrainian troops to begin training on US-made Abrams tanks in next few weeks – Politico sources
- US to accelerate delivery of Abrams tanks to Ukraine, those may arrive as soon as this fall – media
- US to send 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine – Biden