Australia Donates RBS-70 MANPADS to Ukraine as It Welcomes NASAMS Air Defense Systems

Australia has transferred more than a dozen RBS-70 man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS) to Ukraine, as part of a shift in its own military capability from legacy systems to newer technology.

The donation follows the induction of the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) into service with the Australian Army’s 16th Regiment in 2023.

As part of the transfer, Australian soldiers deployed to Poland to train members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces on the operation and maintenance of the RBS-70. The deployment formed part of Operation Kudu, Australia’s contribution to the U.K.-led Operation Interflex, which aims to support Ukraine through multinational military training efforts.

Corporal Jack Murphy, one of the trainers from the 16th Regiment, was among those who taught Ukrainian personnel to operate the system. He said the RBS-70 was still a capable platform.

The RBS-70, a laser-guided surface-to-air missile system, had been in service with the regiment since 1987. Murphy explained that the training was essential to ensure Ukrainian soldiers could use the donated launchers effectively. “There was no point giving them the equipment without teaching them how to use it,” he said.

The Australian team faced several challenges during their month-long deployment, including space restrictions that made it difficult to simulate actual missile firings. “We were giving lessons in a locker-room on a U.S. barracks, so we couldn’t fire the laser, which is how you guide the RBS-70 missile on to target,” Murphy noted. “We had to emphasise a few things on the nitty gritty of how to use it without actually firing it.”

To overcome language barriers, Murphy created placards with operational tips and had them translated into Ukrainian. “We were lucky to have interpreters there,” he added.

Personnel from the School of Artillery and 16th Regiment provided the training, helping Ukrainian forces integrate the donated systems into their existing air defense strategy.