The Voice of America reported the information.
Austin stated that every possible effort is being made to accelerate the shipment of these tanks, with an anticipated timeframe for completion in the early autumn.
He added that several Abrams tanks have been moved to the training ground where the Ukrainian military is currently training. So, according to him, when the training is over, the tanks will be available for use.
At the same time, answering the question of whether it is possible to speed up the delivery of the 31st Abrams to Ukraine, Austin noted that the delivery time is explained not only by the fact that the US military is sending these tanks to Ukraine and training the Ukrainian military to work on them. The timing is also explained by the fact that the US military is also creating the infrastructure to support the Abrams, which is new to Ukrainians.
The Pentagon chief emphasized that while the equipment being transferred to the Ukrainians is significantly different from what they may be accustomed to, particularly due to the inclusion of a turbine engine and other complex systems, the effort is being made to complete the transfer as soon as possible. The Ukrainians can expect to have access to all necessary equipment by early fall.
On April 25, media reported that the M1 Abrams tanks, which are to arrive from the US to Germany in the next few weeks to train Ukrainian soldiers, will not be sent to Ukraine to participate in combat operations.