The Albanese Government is deepening Australia's cooperation with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and taking further action to support Ukraine and hold Russia to account for its illegal and immoral war.
During the NATO Leaders' Summit in The Hague, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, announced Australia will make a further contribution to NATO operations in support of Ukraine.
At the request of NATO and Poland, a Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail aircraft will deploy to Europe in August to help protect a vital international gateway for humanitarian and military assistance into Ukraine.
Under Operation Kudu, up to 100 ADF personnel will deploy alongside the aircraft. The aircraft deployment is expected to conclude by November 2025.
This deployment of ADF aircraft and personnel complements Australia's overall support to Ukraine of more than $1.5 billion since the start of Russia's invasion.
As part of the Albanese Government's ongoing work to hold Russia to account for its illegal invasion of Ukraine, Australia has also today imposed another wave of sanctions de-signed to further weaken Russia's war economy.
This includes new targeted financial sanctions and travel bans on 37 individuals, and targeted financial sanctions on seven entities.
These sanctions target Russia's defence, energy, transport, insurance, electronics and finance sectors, as well as promulgators of Russian disinformation and propaganda.
During the Summit, Australia also signed an agreement with the NATO Support and Procurement Organisation (NSPO). The NSPO Agreement strengthens Australia's cooperation with NATO partners on capability acquisition, systems support and logistics.
Under the agreement, the Australian Defence Force will be able to gain access to collaborative procurement efforts with NATO partners.
The new partnership also unlocks wider opportunities for Australian defence industry to access new markets across NATO supply chains.
Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP:
"Australia is proud of its longstanding operational partnership with NATO.
"The deployment of an E-7A Wedgetail aircraft will again showcase our ability to operate from Europe, alongside NATO and partners, in support of Ukraine and international peace and security.
"Signing the NSPO Agreement opens the door to new partnerships for us to deliver capability and operational responsiveness for the Australian Defence Force."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:
"Australia remains steadfast in our support for Ukraine and in our commitment to a com-prehensive, just and lasting peace.
"Our targeted sanctions reflect our close coordination with key NATO partners, including the UK, Canada and the European Union.
"Australia has now imposed more than 1,500 sanctions in response to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. We will continue to work with partners to disrupt Russia's ability to fund its illegal and immoral war."
