Australia To Lend Surveillance Aircraft To Germany To Monitor Supplies Entering Ukraine

The Australian government will send a surveillance aircraft to Germany to help monitor the influx of military and humanitarian supplies entering Ukraine.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the decision following discussions with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin on Monday. 

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The Australian Defence Force (ADF) plans to deploy a Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail aircraft to Germany. 

The aircraft will be stationed there for approximately six months, starting in October, and will be accompanied by a team of up to 100 crew and support personnel. 

Mr Albanese says the deployment aims to bolster the existing collaborative efforts with international partners, including the United States.

“Australia calls on Russia to withdraw its military forces from Ukrainian territory and immediately end this illegal invasion, which has caused terrible damage and loss of life in Ukraine,” Mr Albanese said.

“We strongly support Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and provide ongoing humanitarian and military assistance.”

Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles, said the deployment of E-7A Wedgetail as an additional early warning capability will help ensure that important support flowing to Ukraine by the international community is protected. 

“Australia is committed to ensuring Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity prevails against Russia’s assault on the rules-based order.”

Mr Albanese says the government will continue to work with the Ukraine government and other international partners to provide assistance and calls on Russia to withdraw from Ukraine immediately.

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