Australia Delivers 49 Abrams Tanks to Ukraine; Taiwan Approves $11bn US Arms Deal
Australia has delivered 49 former M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine between July and December 2025, following their replacement by newer models. Australian personnel remain in Poland to support the tanks, which are reportedly in combat in the Donbas region.
Taiwan has been approved to purchase nearly $11bn in US weapons, including advanced communications systems, helicopter parts, and self-propelled howitzers. HII and Babcock have expanded their contract for Virginia-class submarine construction, with assemblies to be built in Scotland.
The Royal Australian Air Force upgraded its C-130J-30 Hercules transports and plans to replace them with new models in 2027. CAE Australia was selected to provide a new training system for aircrews. The US Air Force will acquire two Boeing 747-8 airliners to support its Air Force One program, set to enter service in 2028. Kongsberg and the Commonwealth signed a strategic agreement for guided weapons cooperation.
