Ukraine – Our Want-to-be Fuzzy Friend

Ukraine’s Request for Australian Vehicles

W. H. R. Johnston

The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has exhausted Ukraine’s industrial capacity, and thus, they are calling for other countries to support their efforts with equipment. Ukraine has requested that as well as the 60 “Bushmasters” (tanks) that have already been committed, another 30 Bushmasters be sent and 30 of the new “Hawkei” light 4-WD vehicles be sent. These new vehicles were not expected to have reached operational capacity due to some technical difficulties during the construction phase, however the Ukraine ambassador has insisted that this is not an issue, and that they are “impressive”. 

Ukraine has offered to be Australia’s “guinea-pig” for their army experiments by using new, untested military equipment in real conflict to test its durability and effectiveness on the battlefield. In March, these Hawkei vehicles were rejected over concerns of soldier safety, after a hefty $1.3 billion dollar investment from the armed forces, and therefore, this arrangement, if successful on the battlefield could prove to be just as valuable for Australia, allowing them to implement a new and improved vehicle, with over $1.3 billion behind it, into their arsenal. 

Overall, the progress in Ukraine has been slow, with Ukraine pursuing victory in the South as their forces are reportedly breaking through to the city Kherson, but in the East, Russian forces continue to advance. It seems that this conflict is set to continue for some time to come, meaning that the equipment sent to Ukraine will surely get its fair share of testing. Whilst casualties continue to rise on both sides, the resolve of both Governments make clear that there will not be any surrender or withdrawal. Additionally, Russia’s intent to alienate themselves from the West has been made clear through actions such as their recent removal of representatives at the International Space Station. The severing of connection seems to be the only way for the Kremlin to maintain control over its population, as they continue to spread lies about the cause of the war as well as its progress. 

To demonstrate Australia’s holistic stance against oppressive regimes, surely we should support Ukraine’s valiant resistance before even considering the positives of having our military equipment tested in real battlefield conditions, and therefore it seems that Australia must allow Ukraine to be its “guinea-pig”.