France to Deliver Hundreds of Armoured Vehicles and Anti-Aircraft Missile to Ukraine
Defense News ,France , Ukraine :- In a significant development, French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu has announced that France will be delivering "hundreds" of armoured vehicles to Ukraine as part of a comprehensive military aid package. This move comes as Ukraine marks the third year since the Russian invasion, emphasizing France's commitment to bolstering Ukraine's defence capabilities.
Speaking to French newspaper La Tribune, Lecornu underscored the critical importance of armoured personnel carriers for enhancing troop mobility along Ukraine's extensive front line. France's decision to provide Ukraine with its old but still operational VAB armoured vehicles, which have been in service since 1979, demonstrates a concrete step towards supporting Ukraine's defence infrastructure. The delivery of these vehicles is slated to commence in 2024 and extend into early 2025, comprising a substantial portion of France's military assistance to Ukraine.
Furthermore, France will augment its military aid by supplying Ukraine with additional anti-aircraft missiles, reinforcing Ukraine's air defence capabilities. Lecornu also revealed plans for the imminent delivery of 78 Caesar howitzers to Ukraine, accompanied by an increase in the supply of shells, thereby addressing Ukraine's urgent requirements for artillery support.
The VAB, a French 4x4 wheeled armoured personnel carrier, boasts a proven track record with over 5,000 units produced in various configurations since its introduction. Equipped with a steel hull offering protection against 7.62mm armour-piercing ammunition and shell splinters, the VAB stands as a versatile platform adaptable for diverse roles, including infantry transport, reconnaissance, fire support, and command and control. Its amphibious capability further enhances its operational versatility, enabling river and lake crossings as necessary.
The specifications of the VAB underscore its suitability for meeting the operational needs of Ukraine's armed forces, aligning with France's commitment to providing tangible support in the face of ongoing security challenges. With a crew capacity of 2 plus 10 soldiers and a combat weight of 13.0 tons, the VAB offers a balanced combination of mobility, firepower, and protection, essential for modern battlefield scenarios.
France's proactive stance in enhancing Ukraine's military capabilities reflects broader international efforts to bolster Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. As geopolitical tensions persist in the region, France's military aid package underscores its solidarity with Ukraine and its commitment to upholding peace and stability in Europe.
France's forthcoming delivery of armoured vehicles, anti-aircraft missiles, and artillery systems represents a tangible manifestation of its support for Ukraine's defence efforts. With a focus on enhancing troop mobility, firepower, and defensive capabilities, France's military assistance reinforces Ukraine's resilience in the face of external threats, contributing to regional security and stability.
