[Global Issue+] Why the US Abrams Tanks Going to Ukraine Use 'Jet Fuel'

Support with Leopard 2 Tank
Gas Turbine Engine Operation, Supply Maintenance Challenges

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The U.S. government announced it will support Ukraine with 30 M1 Abrams tanks, its main battle tank, sparking worldwide attention. Germany and other European countries also declared they will provide large numbers of Leopard 2 tanks, raising expectations that Ukraine's military strength will significantly increase amid concerns over Russia's spring offensive.

However, there are concerns that maintaining supply for the Abrams tanks, which use aviation fuel, will be very difficult even if support is provided. Unlike other tanks that typically use diesel engines, the Abrams uses a gas turbine engine designed for high output.

The M1A2 Abrams tank.
[Image source=Reuters·Yonhap News]

Expensive Maintenance for Abrams, Leopard 2 Faces Repair Issues

According to the British Guardian on the 28th (local time), after the U.S. government announced it would send 30 Abrams tanks, Germany and various European countries declared they would immediately provide 112 Leopard 2 tanks from their current stockpiles to Ukraine.

The problem is that even if both tanks are supplied, it will be difficult to use them immediately as combat power. The Abrams tanks are newly manufactured rather than from existing U.S. stock, so sending 30 units is expected to take several months. Additionally, since they use gas turbine engines running on aviation fuel instead of diesel, establishing a supply system will require a considerable amount of time.

In fact, the U.S. military uses aviation fuel not only for Abrams tanks but for all available vehicles. According to the British BBC, since 1995, the U.S. military has switched the fuel for all available vehicles?including tanks, armored vehicles, and general military trucks?to JP-8 aviation fuel. From the perspective of the U.S. military, which deploys forces worldwide, using different fuels for each vehicle type would incur much higher administrative costs for preparation and distribution, so they unified the fuel type altogether.

JP-8 aviation fuel is a military-grade fuel based on kerosene, known for containing corrosion inhibitors and anti-freeze agents that prevent freezing even in extreme temperatures as low as minus 60 degrees Celsius. It also provides high output. To unify fuel types, the U.S. military has reportedly modified engines of vehicles and motorcycles to run on JP-8 aviation fuel. Of course, civilian vehicles use different fuel types.

Therefore, from Ukraine's perspective, using Abrams tanks that require much more expensive aviation fuel than diesel is expected to pose significant challenges. Although these tanks can use other fuel types in emergencies during combat, aviation fuel is necessary to achieve maximum output. The U.S. plans to supply ammunition and aviation fuel together, but it is anticipated that establishing a supply system will take much longer.

On the other hand, Leopard 2 tanks, which use diesel engines, are easier to operate but face maintenance issues. According to CNN, NATO member countries in Europe have about 2,300 Leopard 2 tanks remaining, but due to long-term disuse amid post-Cold War military downsizing, it is difficult to find tanks that are properly maintained and ready for immediate use.

A Leopard 2 tank in training. [Image source=Reuters·Yonhap News]

Unlikely to Be a 'Game Changer'... Criticism Over Insufficient Support

Due to these limitations, the prevailing view is that supplying the Abrams and Leopard 2 tanks, known as the best existing tank forces, will not immediately turn the tide of the war in Ukraine. There are even calls for more extensive support.

According to the Guardian, the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), a British think tank specializing in foreign and defense affairs, previously reported that Ukraine would need at least 100 attack tanks to repel Russia's massive offensive. Since last summer, the Russian military has reportedly avoided decisive battles and adopted a defensive posture while preparing for a spring offensive by gathering forces.

The Ukrainian government is requesting support of at least 300 tanks and fighter jets such as F-16s to counter Russia's offensive, but the U.S. and European countries have expressed difficulties. While providing tanks and fighter jets is not a major issue, ongoing support for ammunition and supplies could heavily strain the finances of these countries and risk provoking Russia excessively. The international community hopes that Ukraine and Russia will conduct serious ceasefire negotiations before the full-scale resumption of spring fighting.