Supporters of Ukraine have expressed optimism that Australia will soon donate the Army's ageing fleet of Abrams tanks to the war-torn nation, as Defence insists it is "continually" reviewing how it can best support the fight against Russia's invasion.
For months Australia has resisted calls to send its soon-to-be-retired American-made M1A1 tank fleet to the Eastern European battlefield, rather than having the 63 tonne vehicles placed in storage or disposed of.
Earlier this month the first of Australia's 75 newer M1A2 tanks went on public display, two years after the Morrison government finalised a $3.5 billion deal to replace the fleet of 59 older M1A1 vehicles that have never been used in combat.
In February after the ABC revealed Ukraine's interest in the ageing M1A1 fleet, Defence Minister Richard Marles insisted gifting Abrams tanks was "not on the agenda" but said Australia was continuing to consult with the country about what it needed.
The Albanese government has also faced a significant backlash over the decision to bury the Army's grounded Taipan helicopter fleet rather than gift the European designed aircraft to Ukraine's war effort.
On Wednesday the Defence Department said gifting to Ukraine remains a "prominent" consideration when it disposes of surplus assets and equipment, sparking fresh hope that M1A1 Abrams tanks could soon be sent there.
"Defence continually reviews its support to Ukraine and works with the government of Ukraine to make sure we provide practical assistance that makes a difference," a Defence spokesperson said, while insisting it was "not a formal review process".
"Gifting to Ukraine has been and remains a prominent consideration in the disposal of surplus Defence assets and equipment, however it is critical to ensure the support we provide the Armed Forces of Ukraine is useful, safe and usable.
"Australia has provided over $1.1 billion of military assistance since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, to help Ukraine secure a comprehensive, just and lasting peace," the spokesperson added.
Ukraine's ambassador Vasyl Myroshnychenko has told the ABC that if Australia makes Abrams tanks available to his country, either directly, or indirectly via the United States, they "will gladly accept them, and put them to good use".
"The decision about allowing decommissioned Australian tanks to go to Ukraine is one for the Australian government, of course, and I support that right to make a sovereign decision, whichever way it goes.
"I note that M1A1 tanks have been supplied to Ukraine, and the US is assisting Ukraine with that program, so I am sure that former Australian M1A1 tanks could readily be supported in Ukraine," he added.
Army Chief Lieutenant General Simon Stuart this month told the ABC that Ukrainian forces were "doing a phenomenal job" and "most of what we've contributed in terms of direct military aid has come from the Australian Army."
A Senate inquiry into Australia's support to Ukraine this month found there was "a pronounced need for greater urgency and more responsiveness in processing Ukraine's direct requests for aid".
"Nowhere was this more evident than with the decommissioning of Taipan helicopters. The shortcomings identified echo problems with coordination processes" the inquiry concluded.
