Pentagon signs $27.1 mln contract to produce Abrams tanks for Ukraine

The United States Department of Defense and the American company General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) signed a $27.1 million contract for M1A1 Abrams tanks for Ukraine.

Rubryka reports, citing the Pentagon, that Michigan-based GDLS "was awarded a $27,100,000 firm-fixed-price contract. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received."

The exact number of tanks is not disclosed, but it is said that the work will be performed in Lima, Ohio, with an expected completion date of September 29, 2023.

The funds were allocated within the initiative to boost Ukraine's security. It allows the department to enter into appropriate contracts with manufacturers and not provide equipment and means directly from the Pentagon's stocks.

Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) is a funding program led by the US Department of Defense to improve Ukraine's capacity to defend itself more effectively against russian aggression through additional training, equipment, and advisory initiatives. So far, DoD has provided $3.8 billion in security assistance to Ukraine.