He made the statement during a visit to France to commemorate D-Day, the Day of the Allied landings in Normandy, CNN reports.
"Tanks are very important, both for the defense and the offense. Upgraded modern tanks, the training that goes with it, the ability to use them will be fundamental to Ukrainian success," he said.
In addition, Milley noted that tanks will operate together with artillery, infantry and other ground forces when the counteroffensive begins. In this regard, he emphasized that heavy armor, which the Ukrainians are already developing, is currently a more important component for a counteroffensive than aircraft, given the long deployment time for F-16s and other similar systems in Ukraine.
"Everyone recognizes that Ukraine needs a modernized air force and everyone knows that. It’s going to take a considerable length of time, effort, money, to build that air force," the American general said.
On June 1, media reported that the Dutch government plans to purchase dozens of Leopard 1 tanks for the Ukrainian military, and a Swiss company may become the supplier of the weapons.
Germany also supplied another batch of aid to Ukraine for the frontline, including ammunition for Leopard, 66 armored personnel carriers and about 100 units of special equipment.