Australia Supplies Afghan Soldiers With Equipment To Counter Homemade Explosives; Donates Supply Ships To Philippines

Australia began delivering supplies and equipment to the military forces of Afghanistan to counter improvised bombs of the enemies. The equipment will be mounted on vehicles and used by Afghan soldiers.

Australia’s Defence Science and Technology Organisation developed the equipment. Defence Minister Kevin Andrews confirmed that the Australian defence industry manufactured the equipment, SMH reports. The equipment is part of Australia’s contribution to the Afghan National Army Trust Fund.

To support the security forces of Afghanistan, Australia has committed to provide $100 million a year beginning 2015 until 2017. Andrews said improvised explosive devices pose a significant and immediate threat to Afghanistan military forces. He added that Australia is confident that the equipment will provide “considerable protection” to ensure the security of the country and its people.

On Australia Day, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop visited the military personnel in Afghanistan to reaffirm Australia’s support, ABC reports. In a surprise visit to the region, Bishop also met with the government officials in Kabul. There are currently 400 Australians serving in Afghanistan as part of a NATO-led mission.

Bishop used the chance to visit Afghanistan to show that Australia is committed to support the country as it enters a transition phase. She said Australia has invested money, time and resources. She added that Australia will continue to support Afghanistan as it seeks to restore stability, peace and security.

Meanwhile, Australia has donated its decommissioned ships, former Royal Australia Navy vessels Tarakan and Brunei, to the Philippines to help improve the country’s humanitarian and relief operations following natural disasters. Rappler reports that the two ships were already refurbished and equipped with new navigation and safety equipment.

Australia’s defence minister announced the donation on Jan. 29. Andrews said the ships will be “refitted” and ready to be turned over to the Philippines in May 2015. The Australian embassy described the Landing Craft Heavy ships as an extremely versatile vessel with the capability to move large cargo and personnel to shore.

In a statement, the embassy noted that the ships have a two-metre shallow draft that allows them to navigate to areas otherwise unreachable during disasters. Australia had noted the Philippine Navy lacked the capability of transporting large cargo by sea especially in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Yolanda, also known as Haiyan, that devastated part of the country.

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