The first tranche of Australian tanks has been handed over to the Ukrainian army to help its defence against Russia’s invasion.

Australia had previously pledged to give Ukraine 49 Abrams tanks worth $245m last October. The defence minister, Richard Marles, said the tanks would aid Ukrainian firepower and complement other military equipment donated by allies to repel Russia’s invasion. … Australia will also deploy a Wedgetail aircraft to Europe in August to protect the corridors to Ukraine through which aid is delivered.