Military aid to Ukraine at the beginning of 2023
As the Russo-Ukrainian War continues, several countries have come forward to provide military aid to Ukraine. Poland and the United Kingdom are among the countries that have pledged to provide a company of 12 Leopard 2 tanks and 14 Challenger 2 tanks, respectively, to help bolster Ukraine’s ground forces. But it’s not just tanks — other countries like the US, UK, and Germany have also pledged self-propelled howitzers, armored reconnaissance vehicles, and infantry fighting vehicles to help Ukraine boost its artillery and ground forces. Additionally, countries such as Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Slovakia have pledged various forms of military aid, including training, anti-tank weapons, howitzers, and helicopters. The US has also pledged significant aid, including $2.5 billion in aid and 90 Stryker armored personnel carriers, 59 more Bradley IFVs, and other provisions to aid Ukraine in its efforts to defend itself from potential aggression from Russia. All of this recent aid from several countries suggests that the goal of creating an armored division is becoming more attainable for Ukraine.
Poland and the United Kingdom are among the most recent countries to offer military aid to Ukraine. On January 11, 2023, Poland announced that it would provide a company of 12 Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine. On January 14, 2023, the United Kingdom announced that it would give 14 Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine. These tanks will join the 90 T-72 tanks that were being refurbished by Czech suppliers, with estimated delivery by year-end 2022.
These additional tanks, along with other military provisions, have been assessed by Lt. Gen. (Retired) Ben Hodges as the equivalent of an armoured brigade. Hodges projects that an armoured division is the goal, and the recent aid from several countries suggests that this goal is becoming more attainable.
In addition to the tanks, the aid includes various self-propelled howitzers, armoured reconnaissance vehicles, and infantry fighting vehicles from countries such as the US, UK, and Germany. These will help Ukraine to bolster its artillery and ground forces, making it more capable of defending its territory.
Several other countries have also pledged support to Ukraine. Canada has pledged to provide 200 Canadian APCs to Ukraine, as well as various anti-tank weapons, M777 howitzers, and National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS). The Czech Republic has pledged to increase its industrial production of large-calibre munitions, howitzers, and armoured personnel carriers. Denmark has committed to providing training for Ukrainian soldiers to the amount of €600 million, while Estonia has pledged tens of 155mm FH-70 and 122 mm D-30 howitzers, along with thousands of 155mm artillery ammunition rounds and hundreds of Carl-Gustaf M2 anti-tank grenade launchers with ammunition rounds.
Latvia has pledged tens of MANPADS Stingers, two M-17 helicopters, tens of UAVs, and spare parts for M109 howitzers, along with training for 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers. Lithuania has pledged a support package worth €125 million, including two Mi-8 helicopters and counter-drones, optics, thermo-visual devices, and drones. It has also made a donation to the UK international fund for heavy weaponry.
Poland has provided S-60 anti-aircraft guns with 70,000 pieces of ammunition, 42 infantry fighting vehicles, and training packages for two mechanized battalions. It has also pledged more 155mm Krab howitzers and various types of ammunition. Slovakia has pledged to increase its production of howitzers, de-mining equipment, and ammunition, along with providing training for Ukrainian soldiers.
United States
On 19 January 2023, the US announced an additional contribution of $2.5 billion in aid to Ukraine. This aid package includes a variety of equipment and weapons to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia.
The aid package includes 90 Stryker armored personnel carriers, which were announced for the first time. The Stryker is a wheeled vehicle that provides a high level of protection for its crew and can be used for a variety of missions. The package also includes 59 more Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles, bringing the total number of Bradley IFVs in Ukraine to over 109. The Bradley is a tracked vehicle that provides excellent protection and firepower.
In addition to these vehicles, the US is also providing more rockets for the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS), which are used for air defense. The package includes eight Avenger air defense systems, 295,000 25mm rounds for Bradley IFVs, 53 Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, 350 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (Humvees), and 20,000 155mm artillery rounds.
The package also includes 600 precision-guided munitions, 95,000 105mm artillery rounds, and 11,800 120mm mortar rounds. The US is also providing additional Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), 12 ammunition support vehicles, six command post vehicles, and 22 tactical vehicles to tow weapons.
Other items included in the aid package are additional High-speed Anti-radiation missiles (HARMs), 2,000 anti-armor rockets, more than 3 million rounds of small arms ammunition, demolition equipment for obstacle clearing, Claymore mines, night vision devices, and spare parts and other field equipment.
The US has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine’s efforts to resist Russian aggression. The aid package is part of the US commitment to providing Ukraine with the tools it needs to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The additional military provisions from the US and other countries are a testament to the international community’s support for Ukraine in its struggle against Russia.
France and Germany
In addition to the countries mentioned earlier, Germany and France have also provided military aid to Ukraine. Germany’s aid to Ukraine has included weapons, ammunition, medical equipment, and other supplies. The country has also sent military advisers to Ukraine to help train the Ukrainian military.
France has also provided military aid to Ukraine, including weapons, ammunition, and other supplies. On 2 February 2023, France announced that it would provide 12 more Caesar truck-mounted artillery guns from Nexter. These artillery guns are highly mobile and can be quickly deployed to provide fire support for ground troops.
The support of Germany and France is crucial in Ukraine’s fight against Russia. Germany and France are both members of the European Union, and their support for Ukraine sends a strong message to Russia that the international community stands with Ukraine. The additional military provisions from these countries, along with the other countries mentioned earlier, have significantly boosted Ukraine’s military capabilities and have helped them to resist Russian aggression.
