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 Australian government’s military assistance package consists of over $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 responds 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.
“Australia, like many nations, condemns the continuing unwarranted aggression of Russia against the people of Ukraine,” 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 Armoured Personnel Carrier is a longstanding in-service ADF armoured fighting vehicle capability, designed to transport infantry soldiers on the battlefield.
Developed in Australia, the AS4 is a modernised variant based upon the M113 series which have served the Australian Army and many other forces since the 1960s.
Along with the Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles, the M113AS4s will provide 'valuable protected mobility for Ukraine forces', joining similar capabilities being gifted from across the globe.