Washington. May 8. INTERFAX - The United States will transfer M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, having previously dismantled secret high-tech components from them, USA Today reports, citing unnamed American officials.
"Ukrainians will receive less technologically advanced tanks, they will not have sensitive components that Russia could use, said two US officials who have not received an agreement to speak publicly on this topic," the newspaper informs.
According to American officials and military experts, "this is a necessary precaution in case Russia captures such a tank...".
USA Today recalls that the United States had previously decided to transfer older versions of M1 Abrams - M1A1 tanks to Ukraine. It is noted that newer models, the M1A2, have an improved guidance system compared to outdated tanks. At the same time, both models are equipped with a 120 mm cannon.
In March, Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder said that the United States had decided to transfer older versions of M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine in order to speed up deliveries. At the same time, Ryder did not specify exactly how many M1A1 tanks Washington wants to supply to Kiev.
