Australia is sending a metal 3D printer and anti-drone systems to Ukraine as part of a $20 million military aid package, bringing total aid to the war-torn country to almost $1 billion.
Announcing the package, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australia remained committed to supporting Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
“Australia remains steadfast in its support of Ukraine to defend itself against Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion,” he said on Wednesday as equipment from local military industry companies was detailed.
“This contribution will provide Ukraine with some of the best capabilities in the world, while investing in Australia’s sovereign defense industry and technology sector.”
This latest package brings Australia’s total support to the country to $910 million.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (left) met with Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskiy (right) on the sidelines of a NATO summit in Lithuania earlier this year
The package includes demining equipment, portable X-ray equipment, a 3D metal printer and counter-drone systems.
These supplies were developed by the Australian companies DroneShield, Micro-X, Minelab and SPEE3D.
The Albanian government said a Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail aircraft has been deployed to Germany in support of efforts to help protect a gateway for international humanitarian and military aid to Ukraine.
“Australia is honored to provide this aircraft to help protect the vital lifeline of humanitarian and military aid entering Ukraine,” the Prime Minister said.
The aircraft has already landed at Ramstein Air Base to begin a six-month deployment under Operation Kudu.
Up to 100 Australian Defense Force personnel have deployed on the military aircraft.
Neither the aircraft nor ADF personnel will be involved in the conflict in Ukraine.
The aircraft will also not operate in Russian, Belarusian or Ukrainian airspace.
The deployment follows Australia’s commitments made ahead of Mr Albanese’s visit to the NATO summit in Lithuania in July, officials said.
Mr Albanese said Australia remained committed to supporting Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia
The package also includes an additional $20 million in military aid to Ukraine, with support from the local defense industry.
Defense Industry Minister Pat Conroy thanked Australian companies that helped provide assistance.
“Metal 3D printers can be used to print spare parts, while demining equipment and portable X-ray machines can provide life-saving assistance to Ukrainian personnel on the battlefield,” he said.
Australia has previously sent Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles, heavy artillery and critical ammunition to the war-torn country.
The government has also made contributions to the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund.
