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In mid-June, the first four of 14 APCs bound for Ukraine left RAAF Base Amberley onboard a Ukrainian Antonov AN-124.
The delivery forms part of Australia’s $285 million package to support Ukraine, which the Commonwealth has confirmed also includes Bushmaster PMVs, M777 howitzers, anti-armour weapons, ammunition, unmanned aerial systems and personal equipment.
Newly elected Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles explained that the latest shipment was delivered in response to a request from Ukraine’s Minister of Defence, showing Australia’s ongoing commitment to the safety of Ukraine.
“Australia, like many nations, condemns the continuing unwarranted aggression of Russia against the people of Ukraine,” Minister Marles 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.
“Australia stands with Ukraine, and again calls on Russia to cease its unprovoked, unjust and illegal invasion of Ukraine.”
Developed in Australia, the M113AS4 APC supports infantry transportation on the battlefield and is a modernised version of the M113s that have been in service since the 1960s.
According to Minister Marles’ office, the APCs and PMVs will support the safe transportation of Ukrainian service people.
[Related: Russia’s slowing invasion – is force structure to blame?]
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