KATHMANDU: Ukraine has opted to put aside the U.S.-provided Abrams M1A1 battle tanks in its conflict against Russia, citing the challenges posed by Russian drone warfare. Two U.S. military officials disclosed that the deployment of these tanks has become increasingly problematic due to the prevalence of Russian surveillance drones and hunter-killer drones, which have made it difficult to operate the tanks without being detected or targeted. Out of the 31 tanks sent to Ukraine in January 2023, five have already been lost to Russian attacks.

The altered battlefield dynamics have prompted Ukraine to withdraw the tanks from the front lines for the time being. U.S. officials, including Joint Chiefs of Staff Vice Chairman Adm. Christopher Grady, acknowledge the importance of tanks in warfare but emphasize the need for a recalibration of tactics in response to the evolving environment. The U.S. plans to collaborate with Ukrainian partners to devise strategies for employing the tanks effectively amid the increased threat posed by drones.

This development coincides with the two-year anniversary of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, a coalition aimed at assessing Ukraine’s battlefield needs. Recent aid packages, including a $1 billion military assistance package signed by President Joe Biden, reflect a broader effort to reset Ukrainian forces in response to the evolving nature of the conflict. The U.S. is expected to provide additional military aid, including counter-drone capabilities and long-range ballistic missiles, to enhance Ukraine’s defensive capabilities against Russian aggression.