Aussie gadgets saving lives in Afghan war
Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani has marvelled at Australian-designed gadgets that are protecting his country's soldiers and police from improvised explosive device attacks.
In the past two years, Australia has supplied 150,000 Redwing contraptions to Afghanistan security personnel with a further 34,000 to be delivered later this year.
The devices, which jam radio signals that can set off IEDs, cover both individuals and vehicles and are made in Brisbane.
Dr Ghani had a special briefing on the technology in Canberra on Tuesday afternoon and praised Australian industry for its creativity and collaboration.
"It's truly amazing," he said.
"You've taken the request to save lives extremely seriously."
Improvised explosive devices are one of the biggest killers across battlefields in Afghanistan, Iraq and the Middle East.
Dr Ghani hopes the technology can be replicated in other areas.
"On behalf of those lives saved... I'd like to say a very big thank you," he said.
The devices are helping Afghan authorities to feel more confident when they are out on patrols.
They are rechargeable battery powered and require minimal training to use.
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