Ukraine support nears $1bn as Anthony Albanese reveals new package

Anthony Albanese unveils a new $20m military support package for Ukraine at an Australian Innovation Showcase event in Washington DC.

Anthony Albanese with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky at the NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, in July. Picture: Jacquelin Magnay

Anthony Albanese has increased Australia’s assistance for Ukraine to $910m after deploying an E-7A Wedgetail aircraft and up to 100 Australian Defence Force personnel to Germany under a multi-­national operation protecting humanitarian and military gateways into the war-torn country.

Unveiling a new $20m military support package for Ukraine at an Australian Innovation Showcase event in Washington on Wednesday (AEDT), Mr Albanese said the government was also providing de-mining equipment, portable X-ray machines, a 3D metal printer and counter drone systems.

The Prime Minister announced the new support package in front of some 120 US and Australian business leaders, including DroneShield chief executive Matt McCrann, Minelab president Peter Charlesworth and SPEE3D vice-president Chris Harris, whose Australian-based companies developed the hi-tech equipment.

The government and ADF have already provided Ukraine with Bushmasters, heavy artillery, and critical ammunition as well as contributions to the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund.

Mr Albanese said the package, which will be welcomed by US President Joe Biden, shows “Australia remains steadfast in supporting Ukraine to defend itself against Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion”.

“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,” he said.

“I’m proud to confirm the E-7A Wedgetail has arrived in Germany to commence its important mission. Australia is honoured to provide this aircraft to help protect the vital lifeline of humanitarian aid and military assistance entering Ukraine.”

Ukrainian soldiers thank Australia for providing Bushmasters, which have played a huge role in the recent liberation of Kharkiv. Picture: Defence of Ukraine

The aircraft deployment, promised ahead of Mr Albanese’s July visit to the NATO summit in Vilnius, will be active over the next six months under Operation Kudu. The 100 ADF personnel will not enter Ukraine during the deployment and the aircraft will not be directly involved in the conflict or operate inside Russian, Belarusian or Ukrainian airspace.

Defence Minister Richard Marles praised Australian companies for “helping international efforts to support Ukraine to end Russia’s illegal invasion, on its own terms … With deployment of the E-7A, the ADF is making an important contribution to multi-­national efforts.,”