Australia announces new $95m military assistance package to Ukraine

This contribution sees Australia, alongside New Zealand, become the first non‑NATO contributors to the PURL initiative.

In addition to the PURL contribution, the support package also includes $43 million of Australian Defence Force materiel and equipment, including tactical air defence radars, munitions and combat engineering equipment.

It also includes an additional $2 million contribution to the Drone Capability Coalition, focused on providing Ukraine with advanced drone technologies.

“Australia is unwavering in its support for Ukraine. These commitments will make a tangible difference in Ukraine’s defence against Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion,” Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said.

“We are proud to be contributing to PURL, standing in solidarity with our partners, in NATO and the Indo-Pacific, to see a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.”

This brings Australia’s overall support for Ukraine to over $1.7 billion, including more than $1.5 billion in military assistance since the start of the conflict. Australia remains the largest non‑NATO contributor of military assistance.

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“The Australian government has announced a $95 million military assistance package for Ukraine. This includes a $50 million contribution to PURL, $2 million for the Drone Coalition, and $43 million in military equipment, including tactical air-defence radars, munitions and combat engineering assets,” according to Ukrainian ambassador to Australia and New Zealand, Vasyl Myroshnychenko.

“On behalf of the President of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy, as well as to the people of Australia, for standing firmly with Ukraine. This is a true demonstration of Aussie mateship.

“We will never forget your support.”

Australia has also announced targeted sanctions on an additional 45 vessels linked to Russia’s shadow fleet, bringing the total number of sanctioned shadow fleet vessels to 200.

“We are proud to be meeting Ukraine’s direct request for assistance. It’s a testament to our steadfast support for the right of the courageous people of Ukraine to live in peace and to determine their own future,” Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said.

“Our government will continue to support them alongside the Australian people until we see a just and lasting peace.”

The latest support builds on the ADF’s ongoing contribution to multinational efforts to train Ukrainian military personnel in the United Kingdom under Operation Kudu. The final tranche of Australia’s gifted 49 M1A1 Abrams tanks will also be delivered to Ukraine in the coming weeks.

“Australia’s sanctions complement those of key partners, including the United Kingdom, United States, New Zealand and the European Union, as part of a coordinated effort to starve Russia’s oil revenues and limit its ability to finance its invasion,” Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong said.

“As a result of actions we have taken, direct Australian imports of Russian energy products have fallen from $80 million before Russia’s invasion to zero.”

Robert Dougherty

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via LinkedIn.