Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announces $20m advance military aid for Ukraine

Anthony Albanese has announced a new assistance package of advanced equipment for Ukraine worth $20m pushing Australia’s overall aid to the war-torn country to nearly $1bn.

Australia will send another $20m in military assistance to Ukraine including a 3D metal printer to manufacture spare parts, and advanced equipment to detect and remove landmines.

Ukraine is now the most heavily mined country in the world, with Russian forces spreading the explosive devices across the frontline stretching almost 1500km.

Anthony Albanese unveiled the new package in Washington DC, taking Australia’s overall assistance to Ukraine to about $910m including the provision of Bushmaster vehicles, heavy artillery and critical ammunition.

“Australia remains steadfast in supporting Ukraine to defend itself against Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion,” the prime minister said.

Anthony Albanese meets with President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the NATO Summit in Vilnius, Lithuania. Picture: Jacquelin Magnay / The Australian

“This contribution will provide Ukraine with some of the best capabilities in the world, while investing in Australia’s sovereign defence industry and technology sector.”

Mr Albanese also confirmed that a Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail aircraft had now arrived in Germany with up to 100 Australian Defence Force personnel for a six-month mission, delivering on a commitment he made at the NATO summit in July.

“Australia is honoured to provide this aircraft to help protect the vital lifeline of humanitarian aid and military assistance entering Ukraine,” he said.

It will be based at Germany’s Ramstein Air Base and will not enter Russia, Ukrainian or Belarusian airspace.

The Prime Minister made the announcement at an event showcasing Australian defence and clean energy innovations in Washington DC, ahead of his meetings with US President Joe Biden as part of a four-day state visit.

Australia has committed aid totalling nearly $1bn to Ukraine. Picture: Jacquelin Magnay / The Australian

The $20m package features equipment manufactured by domestic defence industry firms DroneShield, SPEE3D, Minelab and Micro-X.

“Our local defence industry has so many groundbreaking companies providing unique solutions like this, and I want to thank them for their assistance,” Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said.

“3D metal printers can be used to print spare parts, while de-mining and portable X-ray equipment can provide life-saving assistance for Ukrainian personnel on the battlefield.”

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles added: “We are proud to see Australian companies helping international efforts to support Ukraine to end Russia’s illegal invasion, on its own terms.”