Canberra, June 20 (FN Agency) Australia has sent four armoured personnel carriers to Ukraine, Defense Minister Richard Marles said on Sunday.He said, “The first four M113AS4 Armoured Personnel Carriers being gifted to Ukraine departed RAAF Base Amberley last week. Loaded into a Ukrainian Antonov AN-124 aircraft, the four vehicles are the first of 14 M113AS4s to be provided by Australia.”The M113AS4 Armoured Personnel Carrier is a longstanding in-service ADF armoured fighting vehicle capability, designed to transport infantry soldiers on the battlefield, the ministry said.The military assistance package consists of over AUD 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.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said that the latest shipment of military assistance in response to a direct request by the Minister of Defence of Ukraine for additional vehicles and demonstrates Australia’s sustained commitment to the people of Ukraine.He said, “Australia, like many nations, condemns the continuing unwarranted aggression of Russia against the people of Ukraine.” 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.” “We will continue to look at ways we can best help the people of Ukraine. Australia stands with Ukraine, and again calls on Russia to cease its unprovoked, unjust and illegal invasion of Ukraine,” Deputy PM Richard Marles said.