The first four M113AS4 Armoured Personnel Carriers being gifted to Ukraine departed RAAF Base Amberley last week. Loaded into a Ukrainian Antonov AN-124 aircraft, the four vehicles are the first of 14 M113AS4s to be provided by Australia. The Australian government’s military assistance package consists of over A$285 million worth of support including Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles, M777 Howitzers; anti-armour weapons, ammunition, unmanned aerial systems and a range of personal equipment.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles said the latest shipment of military assistance responds to a direct request by the Minister of Defence of Ukraine for additional vehicles and demonstrates Australia’s sustained commitment to the people of Ukraine. “Australia, like many nations, condemns the continuing unwarranted aggression of Russia against the people of Ukraine,” Marles said. “Our nation has stood by Ukraine since the beginning of this unlawful conflict and we are proud to be able to provide access to significant capabilities such as the Armoured Personnel Carriers that have travelled in the past week. Australia stands with Ukraine, and again calls on Russia to cease its unprovoked, unjust and illegal invasion of Ukraine.”
The M113AS4 Armoured Personnel Carrier is a longstanding in-service ADF armoured fighting vehicle capability, designed to transport infantry soldiers on the battlefield. Developed in Australia, the AS4 is a modernised variant based upon the highly effective M113 series which have served the Australian Army and many other forces with great success since the 1960s. Along with the proven Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles, the M113AS4s will provide valuable protected mobility for Ukraine forces, joining similar capabilities being gifted from across the globe.
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To be fair, land domain is not the current hot topic in defence news. However, the decision on the biggest expenditure in army’s history, should concern all of us.
Recent news, not yet on here, but now widely reported about land 400, is of interest and concern:while as a nation we need to priorities spending, such a big chunk of Army’s future capability (and there for Government’s ability to influence) is important. It is good and well to send M113’s to Ukraine, as WE wouldn’t let our troops go into combat with them any more. But the long delayed announcement about land 400 IFV, stinks of interference. By Gov, or higher ups in army looking for new retirement jobs, is unclear yet. However, there is a clear case to have the best available for our ADF, but also, a clear plan that we can support, build and maintain the chosen vehicle.
Not much research required to realise the better vehicle, but to suddenly change the numbers, and ask for a re-submit of offers seems very suspicious. A working production line in Geelong, may be able to be economical, in the long term. Certainly with the commitment of S. Korea gov to buy from that production line. Once production line secured, it can be expanded if/ when needed. Not the case, if there is no business case in the first place( Re: dis-functional German products).
To be fair, reducing numbers at this stage to fund higher priorities, makes sense. So long as the sovereign option to build more when needed is available. But seriously, you need to get the public on board, so just explain it to them.