Together with the M1A2 Abrams tanks, the United States will hand over to Kiev armored repair and evacuation vehicles (BRAM) M88A2 Hercules, which will be able to evacuate tanks from the battlefield. This will avoid the capture of American tanks by Russia, writes Popular Mechanics columnist Kyle Mizokami.
"The deployment of eight M88s in Ukraine means that the Pentagon wants not only to preserve the combat capability of tanks, but is also concerned that Abrams tanks left on the battlefield may fall into the hands of Russia," writes Mizokami. According to him, this will help preserve the secrets of the American tank.
The basic version of the M88 BRAM was adopted in 1961. The vehicle allows you to evacuate damaged and stuck tanks, as well as lift overturned armored vehicles. BRAM received a bulldozer blade, a winch and a crane. The M88A2 version of the Heavy Equipment Recovery Combat Utility Lift and Evacuation System (HERCULES), designed to service M1A1 Abrams tanks, can tow up to 80 tons.
In January, the Pentagon announced a new $400 million package of military assistance to Ukraine. It will include 31 Abrams tanks, BRAM, as well as support vehicles and equipment.
In the same month, military expert Alexey Sukonkin suggested that Kiev would not be able to service Abrams tanks due to a shortage of people and equipment in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
