RUSSIA has displayed a destroyed Australian-made Bushmaster as part of a war trophy exhibition of military vehicles captured from Ukrainian forces.
The gutted and blast-damaged Bushmaster was shown with a placard and sign displaying Australian flag in Patriot Park, which is located just outside Moscow.
It was reported in May that one of the 20 Australian Bushmasters vehicles sent as military aid to Ukrainian forces was destroyed between Donetsk and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine.
Footage emerged of a burnt-out wreckage of a Bushmaster sitting in an empty field but a Ukrainian commander told an Australian reporter all those in the vehicle survived.
The vehicle on display outside of Moscow showed extensive bomb blast damage on its armoured panels but remained otherwise mostly intact.
Various other tanks, armoured vehicles and even boats from different countries were also put on display outside Moscow as part of the International Military-Technical Forum 'Army 2022', Russia's largest annual defence showcase.
Ukrainian soldiers have sung the praises of Australian-made Bushmasters and and pleader for more to be sent to fight off the brutal Russian invasion of their country.
The sturdy adaptable vehicles are reportedly being used as frontline ambulances and were in constant action under heavy fire in Ukraine's east.
It was announced last month that Australia would be sending 40 more of the vehicles to the country as well as 14 heavier M113AS4 vehicles, four of which have already gone.
During a July visit to the factory, in the Victorian city of Bendigo, where the Bushmasters are made, Ukrainian ambassador Vasyl Myroshnychenko said they were proving vital to his country's war effort.
'Bushmasters are actually saving lives in Ukraine,' he told the ABC.
'Australia is the biggest ally outside of NATO for us — it demonstrates solidarity.
'Australia is punching above its weight in this support.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese last month announced an additional $99.5 million aid package for war-torn Ukraine.
This brings the overall commitment to $388 million, which is the largest non-NATO country contribution to the Ukrainian war effort.
Mr Myroshnychenko says more military equipment still is needed as the brutal conflict drags on.