SPEE3D, Micro-X, DroneShield and Minelab headed for Ukraine

Equipment from four leading Australian manufacturers is headed for Ukraine in a new $20 million aid package announced by the federal government.

De-mining equipment, portable x-ray machines, a 3D metal printer, and counter drone systems from DroneShield, Micro-X, Minelab and SPEE3D are in the latest package.

A Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail aircraft has deployed to Germany to help maintain a gateway of international humanitarian and military assistance to Ukraine.

This new support takes Australia’s overall assistance to Ukraine to approximately $910 million, including the provision of Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles, heavy artillery, critical ammunition and contributions to the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund.

Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy MP said: “Our local defence industry has so many groundbreaking companies providing unique solutions like this, and I want to thank them for their assistance.

“3D metal printers can be used to print spare parts, while de-mining and portable X-Ray equipment can provide life-saving assistance for Ukrainian personnel on the battlefield.”

The deployment of the Wedgetail aircraft delivers on the government’s commitment made ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit to the NATO Summit in Vilnius.

The aircraft has arrived at Ramstein Air Base to begin a six-month deployment under Operation Kudu. Up to 100 Australian Defence Force personnel have deployed with the aircraft.

The aircraft will not be involved in the conflict in Ukraine, and Australian Defence Force personnel and assets will not enter Ukraine during the deployment. The E-7A Wedgetail will not operate inside Russian, Belarusian or Ukrainian airspace.

Picture: Micro-X/Rover Mobile DR ultra-lightweight X-ray unit