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The Russian military has destroyed an American-made M1150 Assault Breacher Vehicle (ABV) of Kiev forces for the first time.
The vehicle was damaged and abandoned by its crew to the north of the town of Avdeevka in Donetsk, which was captured by the Russian military last week. It was later destroyed in what appears to be a pinpoint strike, according to video footage posted to social media on February 22.
The ABV was specifically designed to clear pathways for troops and other vehicles through minefields and along roadside bombs and improvised explosive devices. The 72-ton, 12-meter vehicle is based on the M1 Abrams main battle tank with a 1,500 horsepower engine, but fitted only with a .50 BMG M2 machine gun and a front-mounted 4.6-meter plow, supported by metallic skis that glide on the dirt.
The vehicle is equipped with the Linear Demolition Charge System, which is made up of rockets carrying C-4 explosives up to 137 meters forward, detonating hidden explosives at a safe distance, so that troops and vehicles can pass through safely.
Kiev forces received an unknown number of ABVs, reportedly no more than six, from the United States along with some 31 M1A1 SA tanks. The deliveries began last year.
M1A1 SA tanks have been spotted more than once to the north and west of Avdeevka. However, they are yet to see combat.
Kiev forces may have sent the ABV forward to clear a pathway for an upcoming armored attack on the north of Avdeevka, led by Abrams tanks.
Upon its delivery to Ukraine, ABV was widely promoted in the mainstream media as yet another “Wunderwaffe,” a weapon system that will change everything for Kiev forces on the battlefield. The destruction of the vehicle is not surprising. However, it is for sure embarrassing for the U.S. and the Kiev regime.
