The Ukrainian military has reportedly acquired the M1150 Assault Breacher Vehicle (ABV), which is based on the Abrams tank. President Volodymyr Zelensky shared several photos on November 3 to mark the Day of Missile Forces and Artillery and Engineering Troops, revealing a vehicle that appears to be a combination of a tank and a heavy-duty harvesting machine. This U.S.-made assault breacher will play a crucial role in helping Ukrainian troops clear the extensive network of minefields established by Russian forces over hundreds of kilometers.
The origin of the vehicle in Ukraine is unclear, as the M1150 is not specifically listed in the items provided by the Pentagon to the country. However, it is likely categorized as “mine clearing equipment” among the approximately $45 billion in security assistance given to Ukraine by the Biden Administration, according to Forbes.
The M1150 ABV, according to the U.S. Army, is a highly mobile and heavily armored system designed for breaching minefields and complex obstacles. It is built on an M1A1 Abrams tank hull and features a turret with two Linear Demolition Charge Systems, a Lane Marking System, Integrated Vision System, and a High Lift Adapter that can mount either a Full Width Mine Plow or a Combat Dozer Blade.
With a two-member team, the $4-million Assault Breacher is capable of detecting and safely neutralizing hidden mines, filling trenches, and excavating anti-tank barriers. Additionally, they can designate a secure path for tanks and combat vehicles to pass through the breach by placing small flags, all while remaining protected inside the heavily armored vehicle.
In other news, the United States recently announced a new $425 million military aid package for Ukraine. As we strive to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine, please consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
