AUSTRALIA TO BOOST UKRAINE’S MARITIME DEFENCES 

  Australia will gift 14 rigid hull boats to Ukraine, underscoring the Albanese Government’s ongoing commitment to support Ukraine in its defence against Russia’s illegal invasion. The latest round of military support, valued at $14 million, will bolster Ukraine’s maritime and coastal defence, which has been an important operational domain for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. These Australian Defence Force sea boats will provide a fast and highly manoeuvrable maritime capability for Ukraine. This announcement builds on previous contributions to Ukraine’s maritime capability, including Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boats, as announced by the Deputy Prime Minister during a visit to Ukraine earlier this year. Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Australia has provided more than $1.3 billion in military support, and more than $1.5 billion in overall support to the government of Ukraine. Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP: “Australia remains firmly committed to supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. This is in Australia’s interests and is the right thing to do. “Ukraine has demonstrated its ability to thwart Russia’s continued attacks from the Black Sea. “We are proud to contribute to these vital maritime defences with this new package.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Group Sales Director Simon Hadfield at [email protected]