400 Ukrainian soldiers begin training on Abrams tanks in Germany – Pentagon

This was reported by The New York Times.  

According to Pentagon spokesman Garron Garn, the first group of about 400 Ukrainian soldiers has begun training in Germany to operate and maintain American M1 Abrams tanks.

About 200 soldiers - roughly one armoured battalion - began training on May 26 at the Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels training ranges. It includes basic tasks such as marksmanship and medical skills, platoon and company-level training, and larger-scale exercises involving battalion-sized units facing off against each other.

Another 200 Ukrainian soldiers are learning how to refuel and maintain tanks. 

Earlier, the Pentagon said that 31 tanks would be sent to Germany to be used in the training program for the Ukrainian military. It is expected to last 10-12 weeks. It was also reported that combat-ready tanks could arrive at the battlefields in Ukraine by the fall.

• On April 21, during a meeting of the Contact Group in the Ramstein format, it was decided that training for Ukrainians to operate Abrams tanks would begin in Germany in early summer and last 10 weeks. 

• On May 12, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin announced that the United States will provide Ukraine with Abrams tanks in early fall 2023. 

• On May 15, 31 Abrams tanks were delivered to Germany from the United States to be used by the Ukrainian military.