Australia allocates $50 million in military aid to Ukraine
15 February, 2024 M113AS4 armored personnel carrier of the Australian Armed Forces is loaded into An-124 of the Antonov Airlines The Australian Government will provide a £50 million grant to the International Fund for Ukraine, directly supporting the procurement of priority military capabilities. The Australian Department of Defence reported on this.
The International Fund for Ukraine is administered by the United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence. It uses international partners' contributions to procure priority military equipment for Ukraine.
Bushmaster APC of the Ukrainian military during the counteroffensive in the Kharkiv region. September 2022.
Ukraine. Photo from social media
"Australia remains steadfast in our commitment to support Ukraine and the Ukrainians who are defending their people, their territory, and their sovereignty. The contribution announced today will take Australia's overall support to Ukraine to approximately £960 million, including £780 million in assistance for Ukraine's Armed Forces," the Australian Department of Defence stated.
In addition to Australia's materiel and financial support, the Australian Defence Force continues to make an important contribution to multinational efforts in support of Ukraine under Operation Kudu. In December, Australia decided to increase the number of instructors within this operation. The Australian Department of Defence reminded that Australia's E-7A Wedgetail aircraft is also lending its unique capabilities in Germany to help protect a vital international gateway of military and humanitarian assistance into Ukraine.
A serviceman of the Australian army instructs Ukrainian soldiers in the use of the NLAW grenade launcher.
Photo credits: Australian Army
"Australia remains steadfast in supporting Ukraine to defend itself against Russia's illegal and immoral invasion. We stand with Ukraine in support of its courageous people and also in defence of a fundamental principle - the right of every sovereign nation to be secure in its own borders and to determine its own future," Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said. Militarnyi previously reported that the Australian government blocked the transfer of MRH-90 Taipan transport helicopters to Ukraine at the direction of the Australian Department of Defense.
This was brought to light during a conversation between Senator David Fawcett and Foreign Minister Penny Wong.
Wong noted that the Department of Defense had informed the government that helicopters of this type were not suitable for Ukraine and recommended that the government form its own opinion based on these facts.