Used in Iraq and Afghanistan..Australia provides Ukraine with "Bushmaster" armored vehicles

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Friday that Australia will send Bushmaster armored vehicles to Ukraine after President Volodymyr Zelensky specifically requested them when he appealed to Australian lawmakers for more help in Ukraine's war against Russia.

Zelensky addressed the Australian Parliament, Thursday, and requested the purchase of Australian-made four-wheel drive vehicles.

"You have very well-armed personnel vehicles, Bushmasters, which can greatly assist Ukraine, and other equipment," he added.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Friday that Australia would send Bushmaster armored vehicles to Ukraine after President Volodymyr Zelensky specifically requested them when he appealed to Australian lawmakers for more help in Ukraine's war against Russia.

What is a Bushmaster armored vehicle?

It is a four-wheel drive, armored, explosion-proof vehicle suitable for all environments and designed to transport soldiers quickly.

The Australian Army has tested the vehicle over thousands of kilometers in harsh climatic conditions and varied terrain, from frigid mountainous regions in sub-zero temperatures, to the desert and tropical conditions of northern Australia.

It has also been used in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to the "Army Technology" website.

The vehicle speed reaches 100 km per hour.

It is able to transfer troops quickly, comfortably and conveniently.

And also high-level protection against anti-tank mines, improvised explosive devices, mortar fragments and small arms fire.

In addition, the fuel containers in the armored vehicle are far from where the soldiers are seated to increase the chances of surviving the passengers if they are injured.

The floor of the vehicle has a potable water tank, and it also contributes to protecting the soldiers in case the vehicle is exposed to a landmine explosion. As for the soldiers’ seats themselves, they are designed in a way that reduces the possibility of injury to the spine and neck.

The vehicle can carry 10 soldiers, and there are storage places for mission equipment and weapons inside.

Its roof is also equipped with 3 exits that allow a quick escape in the event of an ambush.

The cockpit is equipped with night vision devices, and the driver can instantly change the tire pressure, up or down, to make it suitable for traveling on different surfaces.

Retired Australian Army Major General Mick Ryan describes the armored vehicle as "a wonderful Australian military machine" to ABC.

How much does Australia have from the Bushmaster armored vehicle?

Retired Australian Army Lieutenant General Peter Leahy said Australia has more than 1,000 Bushmaster armored vehicles, which is far more than the Australian Army needs.

Why did the Ukrainian president request it?

Mick Ryan says that part of the advantage of this armored vehicle is that it is easy to operate, and the Ukrainians can quickly learn to use and maintain it.

It can also perform many roles such as transporting soldiers, carrying mortars and other weapons, and using it as an ambulance

"You saved Australian lives, and you can do the same for the Ukrainians," said Mick Ryan.

How much will be sent to Ukraine?

Prime Minister Scott Morrison did not say how many vehicles would be sent or when they would be transported to Europe.

Morrison told reporters that the vehicles will be flown on Boeing C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft.

He did not specify the numbers that will be sent or the date of sending.

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