TSAMTO, May 20. According to information published on May 18 on the website of The Australian newspaper, Australian Defense Minister Peter Dutton announced a new package of military assistance to Ukraine, which will include 14 tracked M-113 armored personnel carriers and 20 Bushmaster armored personnel carriers with a 4x4 wheel formula.
According to Shephard Media, the cost of the M-113 is estimated at 12 million austr. dollars ($ 8.4 million), and 20 additional BBM "Bushmaster" – at 48.9 million austr. dollars.
In addition, Australia will supply 60 pallets with medical supplies donated by Australian citizens, as well as three pallets with radiation monitoring equipment and personal protective equipment.
According to Australian Defense Minister Peter Dutton, taking into account the latest package of 60.9 million Austr. dollars, the total amount of Australian aid to Ukraine will exceed 285 million Austr. dollars.
Earlier, Australia has already supplied Ukraine with anti-tank weapons and ammunition, 20 Bushmaster armored vehicles, six light 155-mm towed M-777 howitzers and ammunition for them, combat rations, medicines, etc. The first batch of Australian BBMs was delivered to Ukraine in April 2022.
As noted, Australia has joined other countries that have declared their intention or have already sent the M-113 APC to the APU. Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal and the USA were previously named among these countries.
As reported by TSAMTO, currently, the Australian Defense Ministry, within the framework of the LAND 400 Phase 3 project, is implementing a program to replace obsolete tracked M-113 armored personnel carriers that have been in service since the mid-1960s with new KF41 "Links" armored vehicles.
According to The Military Balance 2022, Australia has a total of 431 units of M-113AS4 in service, representing an upgraded version of the M-113AS1 and M-113AS3 produced in Australia, created on the basis of the American M-113A1 armored personnel carrier.
The design of the Australian M-113AS4 is similar to the American M-113A1, but it is additionally equipped with ceramic armor that provides circular protection from small arms fire of 14.5 mm caliber. The hull has also been reinforced to protect against IED detonation. The crew of the car is three people. The landing compartment can accommodate a total of up to 10 military personnel with equipment.
