Ruqayyah Snyder
Australia has been reluctant to send troops to Ukraine, despite being one of the largest non-NATO supporters of the country. While Australia has provided significant financial and military aid, including M1A1 Abrams tanks, it has stopped short of committing troops to the conflict. This position has evolved over time, with the Australian government initially ruling out sending troops, but more recently stating that it is open to consideration of any proposals to send peacekeepers as part of a coalition of the willing. This shift comes as Russia warns of 'grave consequences' if Australia deploys troops, and as Ukraine continues to request additional military support, including Australian-designed Hawkei armoured vehicles and F/A-18 fighter jets.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Australia's support for Ukraine | $1.5 billion in aid since Russia's invasion |
| Ukraine's request for military support | M113 armoured personnel carriers, Hawkei armoured vehicles, fighter jets |
| Australia's military hardware composition | M113 armoured personnel carriers, F/A-18 classic hornets |
| Australia's willingness to send troops | Open to consideration, not currently under deployment |
| Australia's other contributions | Sanctions, cyber security support, training and support for Ukraine soldiers |
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What You'll Learn
- Australia has not been formally asked to contribute troops
- There are concerns about the risk to Australian personnel without US support
- Australia has already contributed $1.5 billion in aid
- Australia has supplied aid, ammunition, and defence equipment
- Australia has declined to provide the Hawkei vehicles Ukraine requested
Australia has not been formally asked to contribute troops
The Australian government's stance on sending troops to Ukraine has evolved over time. Initially, the government firmly ruled out the possibility of sending troops, with Defence Minister Peter Dutton stating, "We can provide what support we can but we've been very clear the Australian government won't provide troops on the ground." However, in 2025, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese shifted the government's position, stating that Australia was open to consideration of sending troops as part of a peacekeeping force. This change in stance came as European nations, led by Britain and France, discussed a potential peace plan backed by a US security guarantee.
Despite Australia's willingness to consider sending troops, there has been no formal request for their involvement. Albanese reiterated that Australia had not been asked for anything and that any decision would depend on the specifics of a proposal. The defence industry minister, Pat Conroy, also emphasised that Australia was not envisaging a commitment of troops at that time. This position was further supported by the shadow minister for home affairs, James Paterson, who cautioned against deploying Australian personnel to an active war zone without careful consideration and planning, especially without the support of the United States.
While Australia has not sent troops to Ukraine, it has provided significant military assistance and financial aid. Australia is one of the largest non-NATO contributors to Ukraine, supplying aid, ammunition, and defence equipment. This includes the delivery of M1A1 Abrams tanks, which Ukraine has utilised in its ongoing fight against Russia's invasion. Australia has also contributed financially, providing over $1.5 billion in aid since Russia's invasion in February 2022.
In conclusion, while Australia has not been formally asked to contribute troops to Ukraine, the government has expressed its willingness to consider such a request as part of a multinational peacekeeping force. Australia's support for Ukraine has instead focused on providing military equipment, financial aid, and sanctions against Russia. The evolving nature of the conflict and Australia's ongoing commitment to supporting Ukraine leave open the possibility of future decisions regarding troop contributions.
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There are concerns about the risk to Australian personnel without US support
Australia has been hesitant to send troops to Ukraine, citing various reasons for this decision. One concern that has been raised is the risk to Australian personnel if they were to deploy without US support. This concern was highlighted by the shadow minister for home affairs, James Paterson, who argued that deploying Australian troops to an active war zone without American backup would endanger their lives.
Paterson criticised Prime Minister Albanese's approach, stating that the decision should be made with careful consideration and planning, rather than flippantly in a press conference. He emphasised the importance of the US as Australia's most significant ally and questioned the lack of security guarantees.
While Australia has expressed support for Ukraine and its struggle for sovereignty, the government has been cautious about committing troops. At one point, a government spokesperson stated that deploying Australian troops to support peacekeeping forces in Ukraine was not under consideration. This sentiment was echoed by the defence industry minister, Pat Conroy, who asserted that they were not envisaging such a commitment.
However, in March 2025, Prime Minister Albanese shifted his stance, stating that the Australian government was open to considering any proposals for peacekeeping efforts in Ukraine. This marked a change from the previous position, indicating a willingness to reevaluate Australia's involvement.
Despite Australia's reluctance to send troops, they have provided significant support to Ukraine in other ways. Australia has contributed over $1.5 billion in aid, including military assistance and equipment. Additionally, Australia has supplied Ukraine with M1A1 Abrams tanks as part of a defence package. These actions demonstrate Australia's commitment to supporting Ukraine without necessarily deploying troops on the ground.
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Australia has already contributed $1.5 billion in aid
Australia has been a strong supporter of Ukraine since the Russian invasion in February 2022, providing over $1.5 billion in aid. Of this, $1.3 billion has been given in direct military assistance, including M1A1 Abrams tanks, ammunition, and defence equipment. Australia has also supplied Ukraine with M113 armoured personnel carriers, which, although outdated, have undergone upgrades over the years.
Despite this substantial financial and military support, Australia has been reluctant to send troops to Ukraine. In 2022, the federal government, including Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Foreign Minister Marise Payne, and Defence Minister Peter Dutton, ruled out sending Australian troops to fight in Ukraine. This stance has been maintained under the current Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, who has stated that Australia's support for Ukraine does not include "boots on the ground."
However, as of March 2025, the Australian government has shifted its position slightly, stating that it is open to consideration of sending troops as part of a multinational peacekeeping force. This change comes as European nations, led by Britain and France, discuss a potential coalition of the willing to enforce any peace deal between Ukraine and Russia. While Australia has not committed to sending troops, it has expressed its willingness to assist Ukraine in maintaining peace and upholding the international rule of law.
Despite Australia's significant financial contribution and potential future involvement in peacekeeping efforts, some critics argue that the country is not providing Ukraine with the military support it needs. There have been requests for Australian-designed Hawkei armoured vehicles, which Ukraine describes as its "new crush," but Australia has declined to provide these due to unresolved technical issues and limited spare parts. Instead, Ukraine has received older-model M113 carriers, which are widely considered obsolete in modern warfare.
In conclusion, while Australia has contributed significantly to Ukraine through financial aid and military equipment, it has stopped short of sending troops, citing potential risks and the absence of a formal request. The possibility of contributing to peacekeeping efforts remains under consideration, demonstrating Australia's commitment to supporting Ukraine's struggle for sovereignty while navigating complex geopolitical dynamics.
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Australia has supplied aid, ammunition, and defence equipment
Australia has supplied Ukraine with aid, ammunition, and defence equipment since Russia invaded its neighbour in February 2022. Australia has contributed $1.5 billion, with $1.3 billion of that given in direct military assistance. This includes M113 armoured personnel carriers, which date back to the Vietnam War, and M1A1 Abrams tanks, which formed part of a $245 million package to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia.
Ukraine has taken possession of most of the 49 tanks given by Australia, and the rest will be delivered in the coming months. Defence Minister Richard Marles stated that the "M1A1 Abrams tanks will make a significant contribution to Ukraine’s ongoing fight against Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion."
Australia has also sent other defence equipment, such as retired F/A-18 classic Hornet fighter jets, which Ukraine can potentially use on rougher airfields and roads. However, Ukraine had also requested Australian-designed and built Hawkei armoured vehicles, which Australia declined to provide due to an unresolved braking issue and a limited supply of spare parts.
In addition to military equipment, Australia has provided other forms of support. Senator Payne confirmed that Tony Feakin, Australia's ambassador for cyber affairs and critical technology, would work with counterparts in Ukraine to help them defend against future attacks. Australia has also imposed sanctions on Russia, targeting individuals and banks in the breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine.
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Australia has declined to provide the Hawkei vehicles Ukraine requested
Australia has declined to send troops to Ukraine, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison stating that the Australian government would not be providing troops on the ground. However, it has provided other forms of support, including military assistance.
One notable request from Ukraine that Australia has declined is the supply of Hawkei armoured vehicles. Ukraine has described the Hawkei as its "new crush" and believes it would be a "perfect match" on the battlefield alongside the Bushmaster vehicles that Australia has provided. However, Australia has so far refused to provide these vehicles, citing braking issues and a limited supply of spare parts, which would make the Hawkei unsupportable in combat. The Australian Defence Force has advised that providing the Hawkei vehicles would not be the best way to assist Ukraine.
The Hawkei armoured vehicles are Australian-made and designed, manufactured at Thales' Bendigo site in Victoria. Ukraine has been requesting a fleet of these vehicles since September 2023, and its Ministry of Defence has taken to social media to express its enthusiasm for the vehicle. Despite Ukraine's insistence that the Hawkeis could be road-tested in war conditions, Australia maintains that the combination of unresolved braking issues and limited parts supply makes the gifting of the vehicles unsupportable at this time.
Instead of the Hawkei vehicles, Australia has offered other forms of military assistance to Ukraine, including M113 armoured personnel carriers and unarmed drones. Australia has also contributed \$1.5 billion in support, with \$1.3 billion given in direct military assistance. Additionally, Australia has sent a contingent of Australian Defence Force personnel to the United Kingdom to provide training for Ukrainian recruits.
While Australia has declined to send troops to Ukraine, it has expressed its support for Ukraine's struggle to defend its sovereignty. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has stated that Australia stands ready to assist Ukraine and is open to considering proposals for support.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia has not been formally asked to contribute troops to Ukraine. Although Australia has committed to supporting Ukraine, it has stated that sending troops is not under consideration at this time.
Australia has provided over $1.5 billion in aid, including military assistance, since Russia's invasion in February 2022. Australia has also supplied Ukraine with M1A1 Abrams tanks and M113 armoured personnel carriers.
Yes, Australia has been involved in training and providing support to Ukrainian soldiers.
Australia has sent ammunition, defence equipment, and aid to Ukraine. Australia has also worked with Ukraine to help them defend against cyber-attacks.
Australia has stated that it is open to considering any proposals for sending troops as part of a multinational peacekeeping force. However, Russia has warned Australia that deploying troops to Ukraine would lead to "grave consequences".
