Australia provides Ukraine with UAVs worth $33 million

Australia has decided to send reconnaissance drones to Ukraine and to expand sanctions against Russia.

Unmanned aerial systems have no weapons, but can help the Ukrainian armed forces control the movement of Russian troops.

The Australian government assures that these drones will provide battlefield intelligence.

The federal government will commit “uncrewed aerial systems” to Ukraine’s defense, in a package worth $33 million.

“This support will provide a battlefield intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capability to the Ukrainian Armed Forces as they continue to fight against the unwarranted aggression of Russia,” stated the Defense Minister, Richard Marles.

In total, Australia provided Ukraine with $510 million in military aid, including 90 Bushmaster armored vehicles, although the timetable for their delivery remains secret.

The Australian Bushmaster four-wheel drive armored vehicle is designed to transport servicemen to the combat zone.

France and Australia will also supply artillery shells to Ukraine.

In June 2022, Australia began transferring previously promised M113 armored personnel carriers to Ukraine.

The Australian Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, has noted that Australia’s sanctions against the Russian Federation are the country’s largest and this reflects their support for the people of Ukraine and for the fundamental norms of sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“Australia is imposing additional sanctions, targeting those in the Russian Government who are helping prolong this war, those financing this war, and those spreading mistruths to justify this war,” Foreign Minister Penny Wong said.