20 more Bushmasters gifted to Ukraine

The Australian Government will send more armoured vehicles to Ukraine, this time comprising 14 M113 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and a further 20 Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles (PMVs).

The gift announced by defence minister Peter Dutton on the eve of the election follows 20 bushmasters valued at $50 million which have been airlifted to the beleaguered country.

Bushmasters are in service with the Australian Army while the M113s are considered obsoleted due to advances in armour and vehicle design to counter improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

However the army has continued to maintain the M113s and they have a considerable service life ahead of them

Additionally, Australia will deliver 60 pallets of medical supplies donated by Australian citizens along with three pallets of radiation monitoring equipment and personal protective equipment, on behalf of the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Authority (ARPANSA) and Australia Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO).

Dutton said in a statement: “This additional assistance will further support the Government of Ukraine in its response to Russia’s brutal, unrelenting and illegal invasion.”

The $60.9 million in new support for Ukraine – 14 APCs is $12 million and the 20 PMVs is $48.9 million – takes Australia’s total contribution to date to over $285 million.

The Australian Government will continue to identify opportunities for further military assistance where it is able to provide a required capability to the Ukraine Armed Forces expeditiously.

The Government will not disclose further specific details of the package, or delivery arrangements, at the direct request of Ukrainian officials and our other partners.

Picture: Thales Bushmaster

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