Ukraine has called up the music of legendary Australian rock band AC/DC as it pushes Canberra to donate even more fighting vehicles to assist in its war against Russia.
The Sydney Morning Herald (SMH) reports Kyiv wants to make use of the Australian designed and built Hawkei protected mobility vehicle described as its new military “crush.”
The patrol vehicles, which are not battlefield tested, were specially designed and manufactured for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) at contractor Thales’ facility in the southern state of Victoria.
An Australian Army Thales Hawkei protected mobility vehicle – light takes part in the Protected Mobility Integration and Capability Assurance program testing at a purpose-built facility near Woomera in South Australia. (SGT Mark Doran/Australian Defence Force)
In a Twitter message posted on Tuesday, Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence said: “Our soldiers absolutely love Australian Bushmasters. But now they have a new crush: the Hawkei. These two would be a perfect match on the battlefield.
A minute-long video, set to a soundtrack of AC/DC’s Back in Black, showing Hawkeis in action and describing them as a “perfect reconnaissance vehicle” was used to accompany the plea from Ukraine.
Hawkeis, which can carry up to six soldiers, have removable armour and optional mounts for weapons including automatic grenade launchers, the SMH report details.
They are also light enough to be transported by helicopter, allowing them to be airlifted directly onto the battlefield.
Australia has provided an estimated $510 million in military assistance to Ukraine since the Russian invasion last February, including 90 Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles plus other assorted armoured vehicles and ammunition, as Breitbart News reported.
The Australian Bushmaster vehicles – which are designed to protect from mines, other explosive devices and gun fire – have been painted green with the slogan “united with Ukraine” emblazoned on the side next to the Ukrainian flag.
A Royal Australian Air Force air movements operator from No. 23 Squadron guides a Bushmaster protected mobility vehicle bound for Ukraine onto a C-17A Globemaster III aircraft at RAAF Base Amberley, Queensland. (LACW Emma Schwenke/Royal Australian Air Force)
At the request of the Government of Ukraine, Australia is also gifting 14 M113AS4 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC).
The M113AS4 Armoured Personnel Carrier is a longstanding, in-service ADF armoured fighting vehicle and is being made available from current ADF stocks.
Along with the Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle, the APC’s provides Ukrainian forces with the capability to transport infantry soldiers on the battlefield.
The first of 14 M113 AS4 Armoured Personnel Carriers bound for Ukraine being prepared at Joint Logistics Unit — South East Queensland, RAAF Base Amberley. (CPL Jesse Kane/ADF)
A spokeswoman for Defence Minister Richard Marles told the SMH the government was committed to delivering on its current contribution to Ukraine.
“As the deputy prime minister has said, Australia will stand with Ukraine for the duration of this conflict so that Ukraine is in a position to determine the outcome of this conflict on its terms,” she said.
“The government will continue to review its response options in relation to the evolving situation in Ukraine.”