Australia has confirmed the delivery of 30 additional Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles to Ukrainian forces.
The latest military aid will increase the number of Bushmasters donated to Ukraine to 90.
“Since their arrival, the Bushmasters have been used extensively by the Ukrainian Armed Forces with more requested by the Ukrainian President, Minister for Defence, and the Ambassador,” Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said.
Alongside the vehicles, Australia will deploy up to 70 troops to the UK next year to assist Ukrainian warfighters training under Operation Interflex.
“Our soldiers will be part of a large training program in the United Kingdom to help prepare their Ukrainian mates for their struggle against Russia’s unwarranted and unlawful aggression,” the deputy minister said.
The Australian Department of Defence emphasized that no Australian Defence Force personnel will enter Ukraine while implementing the additional support.
“Australia has been unequivocal in its bipartisan support for Ukraine and its condemnation of President Putin,” Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said. “We will continue to stand up for freedom and democracy.”
“This is not just about Ukraine’s sovereignty; the brave people of Ukraine are defending international law, rules and norms.”
Australia’s Support for Ukraine
Alongside the Bushmasters, Australia has sent M113AS4 Armored Personnel Carriers and M777 155mm lightweight towed howitzers to Ukraine this year.
In July, Albanese pledged $68 million of additional military support to Ukraine during a meeting in Kyiv with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Since the Russian invasion, Australia has provided approximately 655 million Australian dollars ($420 million) in aid and 475 million Australian dollars ($305 million) in military assistance to Ukraine.
