First of 20 Bushmasters leave for Ukraine

The Australian government has provided further support to the government of Ukraine by gifting 20 Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles, including two ambulance variants, to aid Ukraine’s response to Russia’s aggression.

CAPTION: A Bushmaster protected mobility vehicle ambulance variant awaiting loading onto a C-17 Globemaster at RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland. Photo by Kym Smith.

Australia’s response follows a direct request from President Zelenskyy during his address to a joint sitting of the Parliament of Australia on 31 March 2022.

The first three vehicles for Ukraine were loaded onto a C-17 Globemaster at RAAF Base Amberley yesterday, in preparation for a VIP hoopla this morning, and departed soon after.

The Bushmaster protected mobility vehicle was built in Australia to provide protected mobility transport, safely moving soldiers to a battle area before they dismount for close combat.

The Bushmaster protected mobility vehicle is well suited to provide protection to the Ukrainian armed-forces soldiers and Ukrainian civilians against mines and improvised explosive devices, shrapnel from artillery and small-arms fire.

The 20 vehicles have been painted olive green to suit the operating environment [and to dis-identify them as Australian].

Additionally, a Ukrainian flag is painted on either side with the words “United with Ukraine” stencilled in English and Ukrainian to acknowledge our commitment and support to the government and people of Ukraine.

The ambulances are emblazoned with the traditional red-cross emblem.

The Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles are fitted with radios, a global positioning system and additional bolt-on armour, increasing their protection.

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