The Australian Defense Minister declared on Thursday that Ukraine's appeal for bolstering its air combat capabilities is a "complicated matter," thereby raising questions about the plan to aid the Ukrainian military with obsolete fighter jets.
Australia has amplified its backing for Ukraine during the NATO summit in Lithuania, committing to dispatch an extra 30 Bushmaster armored vehicles valued at $67 million US dollars. Nonetheless, Ukraine has also queried Australia about the condition of several decommissioned F-18 fighter jets, which could significantly fortify Ukraine against the Russian air force.
Richard Marles, the Australian Defense Minister, mentioned that the talks about supplying Ukraine with the aircraft are underway but are considerably more intricate than other types of military aid.
He informed the national network ABC, "The issue of the aircraft has become much more complex," and added, "The situation concerning the aircraft is extremely complicated, but we will persist in discussing it with Ukraine." He stressed, "Our offerings and actions must be practical and impactful."