SYDNEY, June 20 (TASS) - Australia handed over four M113AS4 armored personnel carriers to Ukrainian Armed Forces, Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles announced Sunday.

"The four vehicles are the first of 14 M113AS4s to be provided by Australia. The Australian government’s military assistance package consists of over AUD 285 million worth of support including Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles, M777 Howitzers; anti-armor weapons, ammunition, unmanned aerial systems and a range of personal equipment," Marles said in a statement, published on the Australian Defense Ministry’s website.

Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese said this shipment is a response to "a direct request by the Minister of Defense of Ukraine for additional vehicles and demonstrates Australia’s sustained commitment to the people of Ukraine."

Previously, the media reported that Australia plans to replace its park of obsolete M113AS4s, commissioned in mid-1960s.