Ukrainian troops begin training on Abrams tanks in Germany – NYT

The first group of about 400 Ukrainian soldiers has begun training in Germany on American M1 Abrams tanks. The training course will last from 10 to 12 weeks.

Source. This was reported by The New York Times with reference to the Pentagon.

"Defense Department officials have previously said that about 31 tanks will be sent to Germany for use in a training program that is expected to take 10 to 12 weeks," the newspaper wrote on Saturday.

Reportedly, the first group of about 400 Ukrainian soldiers has already begun their training in Germany.

About 200 soldiers – roughly one armored battalion – began conducting what the military calls a combined arms exercise on Friday at training ranges in Germany, Pentagon spokesman Lt. Col. Garron Garn said in a statement.

This part of the training covers the basic tasks of soldiers, such as marksmanship and medical skills, as well as platoon and company-level training. This will be followed by larger exercises involving battalion-sized units facing off against each other.

The second part of the cadets – 200 soldiers – has reportedly begun training on how to refuel and maintain tanks.

It is expected that by the fall, combat crews on tanks will be able to arrive on the battlefield in Ukraine.

In March, it was reported that the United States planned to provide Ukraine with the promised Abrams tanks earlier than planned – by the fall. The Pentagon decided to provide Ukraine with the Abrams M1A1 modification instead of the more modern Abrams M1A2 to reduce the delivery time.