ADF prepares M113AS4s for Ukraine
The first four M113AS4 armoured personnel carriers being gifted to Ukraine departed RAAF Base Amberley last week.
CAPTION: M113AS4 armoured personnel carriers bound for Ukraine wait to be loaded onto an Antonov An-124 cargo plane at RAAF Base Amberley, Queensland. Photo by Leading Aircraftwoman Emma Schwenke.
Loaded into a Ukrainian Antonov AN-124 aircraft, the four vehicles are the first of 14 M113AS4s to be provided by Australia.
The Australian government’s military assistance package consists of more than AU$285 million worth of support including Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles, M777 Howitzers, anti-armour weapons, ammunition, unmanned aerial systems and a range of personal equipment.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles said the latest shipment of military assistance responded to a direct request by the Minister of Defence of Ukraine for additional vehicles and demonstrated Australia’s sustained commitment to the people of Ukraine.
“Australia, like many nations, condemns the continuing unwarranted aggression of Russia against the people of Ukraine,” Mr 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.”
The M113AS4 APC is a longstanding in-service ADF armoured fighting vehicle, designed to transport infantry soldiers on the battlefield.
Developed in Australia, the AS4 is a modernised variant based upon the highly effective M113 series, which have served the Australian Army and many other forces with great success since the 1960s.
Along with the proven Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles, the M113AS4s will provide valuable protected mobility for Ukraine forces, joining similar capabilities being gifted from across the globe.
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Is the AUD$285 million military assistance package being provided to the Ukraine by the Australian Government a gift from the Australian tax payer or is it provided on a ‘Lend Lease’ loan arrangement as the material being provided to the Ukraine by the United States?
Just asking for a friend.
I think it’s part of the Freedom Tax we pay to support U.S. Foreign Policy.
It’s not cheap causing War and Destruction around the World to bring Freedumb to less fortunate, and we have to donate Blood and Treasure as tribute to our American Masters.
Also, there’s no way you would put our Diggers in those 1960’s Missile magnets, there would be a Mutiny!
Best sent to the Uki’s, their deaths will end the War sooner, sadly.
DUTY FIRST.