The RAAF will deploy an E-7A Wedgetail to Germany to help protect the flow of military and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.
The aircraft will deploy in October for a six month period as part of Operation Kudu, alongside 100 crew and support personnel.
“The deployment of the E-7A Wedgetail as an additional early warning capability will help ensure that vital support flowing to Ukraine by the international community is protected,” Deputy PM and Minister for Defence Richard Marles said.
“Australia is committed to ensuring Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity prevails against Russia’s assault on the rules-based order.”
The government has stated that the aircraft will operate outside of Ukrainian, Belarusian and Russian airspace, and no ADF personnel or assets will enter Ukraine.
The announcement comes shortly after PM Anthony Albanese confirmed an export deal worth $1 billion for Australian-made Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles (CRVs) to be exported to Germany.
The deal for 100 Boxer vehicles could be worth up to $3 billion, with the $1 billion announced as a ‘down payment’, though the total value is not confirmed. The vehicles would be built at Rheinmetall’s Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence in Queensland.
Both Germany and Australia have come under criticism for low or delayed levels of military support to Ukraine as it continues on a grinding counteroffensive against entrenched Russian forces.
While the Australian government cites its support as the largest of any non-NATO state, its total contribution of A$610 million in military assistance is a lower amount per capita than comparable middle powers such as Canada. It is also lower overall than the contributions of many smaller countries, including Portugal, Estonia, Denmark, and Norway.
Australia also possesses a fleet of 41 retired F/A-18 Classic Hornets, which the government has so far stopped short of committing to Ukraine. A lack of air cover is often cited as one of the main barriers to the success of Ukraine’s counteroffensive.