Hawkei is an Australian next-generation light four-wheel-drive protected armoured patrol vehicle manufactured by Australians
at the Bendigo facility of defence company, Thales Australia, also the manufacturer of the Bushmaster vehicle.
The name Hawkei comes from a death adder snake found in Northern Australia.
In 2022, the Australian Government showed its support for Ukraine in the war by sending a number of Bushmaster military vehicles to the front lines.
The Ukrainian Government has since asked Australia to send up to 90 Hawkei vehicles, but no commitment has yet been made.
This will be the first major conflict in which the Hawkei vehicles can be tested, which would provide valuable information about their capabilities and areas of improvement back to Australia. From this perspective, it’s a win-win.
The inspiration for this campaign comes from the #FreeTheLeopards campaign that was staged in Europe in early 2023. This campaign changed the minds of European defence ministers, resulting in significant numbers of Leopard tanks and other protected vehicles being sent to the front lines in Ukraine.
#FreeTheLeopards saw numerous demonstrations held by people around Europe and the world, creating a groundswell of grass-roots support that put pressure on politicians resulting in the release of the Leopards.
#FreeTheHawkei rallies follow the same approach. They continue taking place in major locations around Australia and around the world. Raise your voice and shout #FreeTheHawkei – let’s influence the Australian Government to release the Hawkeis.
It’s time to unleash the power of the Hawkei on the Ukrainian front lines.