Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's appeal for Australian-made armoured vehicles has been answered, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison confirming Bushmasters will be sent to join thefight against Russian forces.
Key points:
- Australia will send a number of Bushmasters to Ukraine after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy requested assistance.
- The armoured vehicles are designed to rapidly deploy up to 10 battle-ready troops
- Retired Australian Army Lieutenant GeneralPeter Leahy says Australia has more than 1,000 Bushmasters.
Mr Zelenskyy addressed the Australian parliament on Thursday and asked for armoured vehicles and other equipment to strengthen his forces.
Mr Zelenskyy specifically requested the Australian-made Bushmasters.
What is a Bushmaster?
A Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle is an armoured personnel carrier designed to carry and rapidly deploy up to 10 battle-ready soldiers.
The four-wheel-drive vehicles are designed for all environments and are blast-resistant.
Retired Australian Army major general Mick Ryan describesBushmasters asa "wonderfulAustralian-designed and built machine".
They have been used by Australian forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.
How many does Australia have?
Retired Australian Army lieutenant generalPeter Leahy says Australia has Bushmasters to spare.
"We've got over 1,000 of them, in fact a number of them are surplus to requirement in the Australian Army, they're also used by the Air Force," he said.
"Other countries have them in service in small numbers, but frankly we have more than we need."
What makes them so good?
Mick Ryan says part of the Bushmaster's appeal is that the vehicle is easy to operate.
"It would be very simple to train Ukrainians to use and maintain them," he said.
A Bushmaster can carry fuel and supplies to operate for three days without re-supply, and has a central tyre inflation system allowing it to continue to travel with punctures.
The vehicle's design means the Bushmaster can serve many roles.
As well as the armoured personnel carrier role, Bushmasters can carry mortars and other heavierweapons. There is also an ambulance version.
"They've saved Australian lives, they would do the same for the Ukrainians," Mick Ryan said.
How many will be sent to Ukraine?
Prime Minister Scott Morrison hasn't said how many vehicles will be sent or when they will be flown to Europe.
They will be flown over on Australia's C-17 Globemaster aircraft, which can carry four Bushmasters at a time, according to the RAAF website.
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