Australia’s deployment of a Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail aircraft to support humanitarian and military assistance to Ukraine has concluded.

Since July, the aircraft has operated from Poland in support of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), providing critical surveillance, communications and early warning capabilities to protect supply lines delivering international aid to Ukraine.

With its long-range reconnaissance capability, the Australian detachment maintained vigilant oversight of Eastern Europe, delivering valuable intelligence to help NATO keep the assistance corridor open.

The deployment, conducted under Operation Kudu, demonstrated Australia’s ability to integrate with NATO operations and European partners, using one of the world’s most advanced airborne command and control platforms.

The Wedgetail’s unique capabilities also served as a deterrent, reducing the risk of strikes on logistics hubs outside Ukraine as part of a multi-layered protection strategy.

The Australian Government remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine in its defence against Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion, with more than $1.5 billion in assistance committed since the start of this conflict.

In the coming months, the final tranche of M1A1 Abrams tanks will be delivered to Ukraine, and Australian Army personnel will continue training members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the United Kingdom.

The aircraft and crew will commence their return to Australia in the coming days.

Quotes attributable to Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Justin Jones:

“Our people deployed under Operation Kudu have made an outstanding contribution to supporting Ukraine. 

“During the deployment, the E-7A Wedgetail was able to conduct operations and deliver valuable intelligence while seamlessly integrating with our NATO partners.

“The ADF stands ready to continue our support to Ukraine, under Operation Kudu.”

MEDIA NOTE:

Media can access imagery/vision at: https://images.defence.gov.au/assets/S20253012