Australia sent a batch of Bushmaster armored vehicles to Ukraine

8 December, 2023 Bushmaster armored vehicles of the New Zealand Defence Force. May 2023. Photo credits: NZ Defence Force

A batch of Australian Bushmaster armored vehicles has been sent to Ukraine, which have already proven themselves in combat operations. Australian Ambassador to Ukraine Bruce Edwards reported about this. "Not much says Merry Christmas to a close friend far across the seas quite as well as saving lives.

Proud to see the role of Bushmasters recognised among key military assistance provided to Ukraine. And more are on their way! Do feel free to open them before 25 December!" Edwards wrote.

However, the Australian ambassador did not specify the amount of equipment transferred. In turn, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine thanked its Australian counterparts, noting that in September 2022, Australian-provided Bushmaster armored vehicles played a decisive role in the successful counteroffensive in the Kharkiv region.

Bushmaster MRAP of the Ukrainian military during the counteroffensive in the Kharkiv region. September 2022.

Ukraine. Photo from social media

"Today, we would like to say thank you to our Australian friends at the Australian Department of Defense. Despite the significant distance between our countries, we are bonded by shared democratic values.

We are particularly grateful for the Bushmaster MRAP," he said. Now, thankfully to its resistance to mine explosions, this vehicle is saving the lives of Ukrainian soldiers. The maneuverability and cross-country ability of these vehicles are also important for combat missions.

In May of this year, Australia ordered 78 Bushmaster armored vehicles to replenish its stocks, which were sent to Ukraine. The deal included the supply of Bushmaster in troop and command variants.

Bushmaster armored vehicles at Thales Australia. May 2023. Australia.

Photo from the company's website

In the Australian city of Bendigo, Thales has already produced more than 1,200 of these armored vehicles.

As well as providing a lifeline for the Australian Army in operations in the Middle East, vehicles have been exported to eight countries, including the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Fiji, Jamaica, New Zealand, Japan, and Indonesia.