Ukraina - UK sender tunge våpen - Defence Connect

 

Antonov 124 carries Bushmasters to Ukraine

 

An M777 Howitzer bound for Ukraine is loaded onto an Antonov AN-124 cargo aircraft at RAAF Base Amberley on 5 May. (Defence)

06 MAY 2022

By: Adam Thorn

A giant Antonov 124 on Thursday departed RAAF Base Amberley carrying M777 howitzers and Bushmasters bound for Ukraine.

The iconic four-engine plane, one of the world’s heaviest, was created by Antonov Design Bureau in Ukraine itself and has a giant wingspan of 73 metres.

The particular aircraft used was the 100-150 variant, a reinforced version of the original that is capable of transporting a payload of up to 150,000 kilograms.

It follows the federal government announcing it would gift Ukraine 20 Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles – including 14 with Protected Weapon Systems and two ambulance variants – alongside six M777 howitzers with ammunition.

The latest delivery means Australia has so far committed to contributing AU$225 million worth of military equipment to help the war effort in Eastern Europe.

Head of military strategic commitments, Air Vice-Marshal Robert Chipman, praised Australia’s commitment to helping President Volodymyr Zelensky and the government of Ukraine.

“Added to this, is the remarkable work of those at the International Donor Coordination Centre in Germany who have ensured assistance from Australia and other nations is being delivered quickly to the Ukrainian Armed Forces,” he said.