Australian Bushmasters playing a key role in Ukraine’s fight against Russia  Premium

Australia's 15-tonne Bushmaster armoured vehicles have proven invaluable to Ukraine's fight against Russia's invasion, with the country's former Defence Minister commending their effectiveness on the battlefield. Australia has gifted a total of 120 Bushmasters to Ukraine and is now being urged to supply Hawkei vehicles, although the availability of these remains uncertain due to braking faults. Australia's aid has been acknowledged, but defence analysts have expressed concerns about the pace of delivery.

A 15-tonne Australian tank has gained quite a celebrity status in Ukraine’s arsenal in its fight against Russia’s invasion.

Australian Bushmaster armoured vehicles have emerged as a vital asset, bolstering the Ukraine’s capabilities. These machines have proven instrumental in safeguarding Ukrainian soldiers against enemy fire, particularly in countering Russian artillery bombardments and mines, say experts.

Ukraine’s former Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov commended the Australian Bushmasters for their effectiveness on the battlefield, describing them as essential for protecting troops and aiding in manoeuvrability. Armed Forces personnel have attested to their versatility, highlighting their value in infantry transport and evacuation operations.

A Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle (pmv) is a robust armoured personnel carrier designed to carry and rapidly deploy up to 10 battle-ready soldiers. It is a four-wheel-drive vehicle with good off-road mobility designed for all environments and is blast-resistant.

Built in Australia by the Thales group, it uses an armoured v-shaped hull to protect its passengers from landmines and other explosive devices. Windows also carry similar ballistic protection making it a formidable asset on the frontlines. The Bushmaster’s fuel and hydraulic tanks are positioned outside the crew’s compartment to protect troops from possible fires. There is also a protected emergency fuel tank so the vehicle won’t be left stranded.

It is fully air-conditioned, can sustain itself for a period of up to three days and have been used by Australian forces in Iraq and Afghanistan before they made it to Ukraine.

Australia first supplied Bushmasters to Ukraine, after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a specific request for them during his address to the Australian Parliament in March 2022.