The Albanese Government underlined its steadfast support for Ukraine announcing the gifting of 49 M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine. This will bolster the Armed Forces of Ukraine in its fight against Russia's illegal and immoral invasion.
This latest package, valued at approximately $245 million, will add to the Armed Forces of Ukraine's firepower and mobility, and complement partners' support for Ukraine's armoured brigades.
This announcement brings the total value of Australia's military assistance to Ukraine since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion to over $1.3 billion, and overall support to more than $1.5 billion.
Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, the Hon Pat Conroy MP will be at the NATO Defence Ministers' Meeting in Brussels and will be confirming this news directly with his Ukrainian counterpart.
The M1A1 Abrams tanks have been an important capability for the Australian Army, providing substantial defence against enemy fire and improvised explosive devices. As they have done for Australia, the Abrams tanks will see both the capability and resistance of the Armed Forces of Ukraine further bolstered.
As was announced in January 2022, the Australian Army M1A1 Abrams are to be replaced by the M1A2 fleet. To support the transition, the Australian Army will retain a small number of M1A1 Abrams tanks to assist the introduction of the new M1A2 fleet.
The Australian Defence Force also continues to make significant contributions to multinational efforts to train Ukrainian military personnel under Operation Kudu.
The Australian Government will continue to work with the Government of Ukraine and our international partners to deliver meaningful support for Ukraine to end the conflict on its terms.
Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP:
"Australia's support for Ukraine has not wavered since Russia's illegal invasion, and Australia will continue standing with Ukraine.
"This is the latest support package which the Albanese Government has announced, taking our overall commitment support to Ukraine to more than $1.5 billion."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:
"We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukraine in their fight against Russia's illegal invasion.
"These tanks will deliver more firepower and mobility to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and complement the support provided by our partners for Ukraine.
"As we face a challenging geostrategic environment, it is important that we continue to work together with our partners around the world to deter aggression and coercion and protect the global rules-based order."
