AUSTRALIA
Four Australian M113AS4 Armoured Personnel Carriers being gifted to Ukraine have departed the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Amberley in Queensland.
Loaded into a Ukrainian Antonov AN-124 aircraft, the four vehicles are the first of 14 M113AS4s set to be provided by Australia.
The Australian government’s military assistance package consists of over AU$285 million worth of support including Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles, M777 Howitzers; anti-armour weapons, ammunition, unmanned aerial systems and a range of personal equipment.
Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese said the latest shipment of military assistance responds to a direct request by the Minister of Defence of Ukraine for additional vehicles and demonstrates Australia’s sustained commitment to the people of Ukraine.
“Australia, like many nations, condemns the continuing unwarranted aggression of Russia against the people of Ukraine,” Mr Albanese said.
“Our nation has stood by Ukraine since the beginning of this unlawful conflict and we are proud to be able to provide access to significant capabilities such as the Armoured Personnel Carriers that have travelled in the past week.”
Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles added, “We will continue to look at ways we can best help the people of Ukraine. Australia stands with Ukraine, and again calls on Russia to cease its unprovoked, unjust and illegal invasion of Ukraine.”
