Defense Ministry officials previously said about 31 tanks would be sent to Germany for use in a Ukrainian military training program expected to last 10 to 12 weeks. Combat-ready tanks could be on the battlefield by fall, officials say.
A Pentagon spokesman said about 200 military personnel, consisting of about an armored battalion, began Friday at the Grafenwöhr and Hohenfels training grounds in Germany for combined arms training. The briefing includes basic soldier duties such as marksmanship and medical skills, as well as platoon and company level training. The remaining 200 troops began training on how to refuel and maintain the tanks.
Pentagon officials expressed doubts about sending the Abrams, citing concerns about how Ukraine would contain them. The technique requires intensive training and maintenance. It can take years. However, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin insisted that the American side must keep the promise made in Berlin to send tanks. This was the starting point for the supply of Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine.
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