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Australia’s Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, Pat Conroy, has met with Ukrainian leadership after the donation of 49 M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks to the European country.
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Earlier this month, the Australian government announced that 49 M1A1 Abrams tanks will be gifted to Ukraine as part of the latest military assistance package worth around $245 million.
The new equipment is expected to bolster the Armed Forces of Ukraine in its fight against Russian military forces, as well as add to the Armed Forces of Ukraine’s firepower and mobility and complement partners’ support for Ukraine’s armoured brigades.
Following the announcement earlier this year, Minister Conroy has met with Ukrainian Minister of Defence Rustem Umerov.
“I expressed my gratitude to my Australian colleague for supporting the Ukrainian people in their fight for freedom, particularly for the announced delivery of 49 M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine,” said Minister Umerov.
“The key topic of the discussions was economic cooperation. We discussed the possibility of establishing joint factories to maximise the effective use of Ukraine’s resource potential.
“Presented investment options in our defence production. Invited Australian companies to co-finance the production of drones, electronic warfare and robotic systems.
“I outlined our needs to Mr Conroy (such as) weapons and equipment for our brigades on the battlefield and in reserve, as well as long-range weapons to target military facilities deep inside Russia.
“I proposed that Australia, following the example of France and Germany, take patronage over one of our brigades. Specifically, to help with the training and equipping of our soldiers.
“We will strengthen ties with the countries of the Indo-Pacific region to overcome common challenges.”
The October Abrams 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.
It’s understood the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is aware of Australian citizens attempting to travel and join the conflict in Ukraine. It’s also understood that Australia is currently limited in its ability to provide consular assistance in Ukraine.
In addition, there have reportedly been a small number of Australian citizen casualties reported in Ukraine.
The country is currently listed as “Do not travel due to the volatile security environment and military conflict”, according to the latest travel advice updated on 15 October by the Australian government.
