Australia allocates $100 million military aid package to Ukraine

Australia is allocating a new military aid package worth $100 million to Ukraine, Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister of Australia Richard Marles announced during a joint press conference with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and Deputy Defense Minister Ivan Havryliuk.

On April 27, Richard Marles came to Lviv in western Ukraine to meet with the province’s officials and discuss the military situation and defense capabilities.

He stated that $50 million of the funding would be used to provide Ukraine with short-range air defense systems, $30 million for the purchase of drones for the Ukrainian army and another $15 million for equipment such as helmets, inflatable boats, gas masks, etc. and generators.

“Ukraine and its people have endured more than two years of large-scale Russian aggression, but their resilience remains unwavering. Australia will support Ukraine for as long as it takes for Ukraine to achieve victory in this war.” Marles stated.

He also announced that Australia will supply Ukraine with “air-to-ground” weapons.

“We understand that the conflict will continue and we are committed to maintaining Ukraine’s support. Ukraine must prevail for its future and world peace.” said Australia’s Deputy Defense Minister.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal added that Australia, a member of the drone coalition, will provide Ukraine with drones worth $32.5 million and a large number of RBS 70 portable air defense systems worth tens of millions of dollars, according to UkrInform.

According to Shmyhal, he and Richard Marles discussed a wide range of strategic cooperation issues during their meeting.

“I am confident that our partnership will be long-lasting and offer enormous development prospects,” the Ukrainian said at the joint press conference.

The official added that on the military front, Ukraine is interested in strengthening defense and creating conditions for success on the battlefield.

Since the start of the Russian war, Australia has awarded $655 million in aid to Ukraine, of which $540 million is military aid, Shmyhal noted.

He noted that Australia regularly announces new military aid packages, providing armored vehicles and armored personnel carriers for Ukraine. In addition, the country supplies demining equipment and 3D printing tools, which help repair equipment, anti-drone weapons, artillery and ammunition.

This year, Operation Kudzu military instructors from the Australian Armed Forces and the Finnish Armed Forces began leadership training for the Ukrainian army.

The training aims to improve the professional skills of Ukrainian defenders as part of the multinational Interflex operation led by Great Britain. The Australian contingent consists of approximately 70 instructors and a number of medics, engineers and logistics support staff.

The Army conducts three separate leadership courses: the Section Commander Combat, Platoon and Company Sergeant Combat, and Platoon Commander Combat.

Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine was a significant violation of international law, Chief of Joint Operations Lieutenant General Greg Bilton said at the training camp in Britain.

“It is that compelling reason that we must contribute to supporting the global system as a nation. Our contribution has shifted from recruitment training to leadership training, helping to grow leadership capabilities, but also increasing the survivability of junior leaders on the battlefield.” he said.

Shmyhal also announced that, in addition to training and assistance, Australia has extended its duty-free regime with Ukraine until July 2026.

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