Australia's new American-made battle tank has gone on display at a weapons expo that wraps up in Melbourne today after days of anti-war protests.
Defence Minister Richard Marles is expected to tour the Land Forces exhibition where several Israeli companies are pushing for more military deals with Australia.
The first batch of Australia's new American-made tanks has arrived in the country and gone on public display at the conference, but it remains unclear whether army's soon-to-be-retired older Abrams fleet will be donated to Ukraine.
The M1A2 battle tank, boasting a 120 millimetre cannon, will eventually replace Australia's older fleet of 59 M1A1 Abrams tanks that were purchased in 2007, but have never been deployed in a combat zone.
In 2022 the Morrison government finalised a $3.5 billion order for 75 of the more modern M1A2 Abrams, which are expected to enter service next year, with defence sources confirming 27 of the new fleet have now been delivered to Australia.
"Tanks are an important part of making sure that Australian soldiers can complete their mission and return home safe and sound to their families," Army Chief Lieutenant General Simon Stuart told the ABC.
For months Ukraine has lobbied Australia to donate its older M1A1 tanks, along with earlier deliveries of Bushmaster armoured vehicles, to help bolster its fight against Russia but the army chief has declined to say whether he supports gifting Abrams.
"It's the government that makes those decisions, we've leant in very heavily and faithfully to support our teammates in Ukraine who are doing a phenomenal job and I think the record stands for itself, most of what we've contributed in terms of direct military aid has come from the Australian Army," he said.
In an interview on the opening day of the Land Forces 2024 conference, General Stuart said the Ukrainian fight against Russia continued to inspire, and Western militaries were carefully studying the tactics used against Russia.
"We're absolutely learning from the war in Ukraine, we're learning from the war in the Middle East and a range of other conflicts around the globe today, in order to inform our approach to deterring conflict in our region," he said.
"There's much to learn, history's a good guide and contemporary history helps us to understand the application of things like technology."
This week dozens of weapons companies, including several Israeli exhibitors, have been showcasing lethal technology inside the Land Forces conference, drawing days of sometimes violent anti-war protests outside the event.
Despite the large numbers of pro-Palestine activists outside the expo, the Israel Aerospace Industries defence company says it has enjoyed the opportunity to display its products at Land Forces.
"I feel completely safe in Australia, there is no problem, and I rely definitely on the security forces in Australia, in Melbourne, and I feel free," company representative Yehuda Lahav told the ABC.
"Our approach is to look for partners in Australia, to bring our experience from our region and our knowledge and know-how from the last three and four decades and try to support the Australian government to defend itself".
