To support the Armed Forces of Ukraine, another coalition has been formed - this time, an armored one, which began its work on March 26th in Warsaw. Its establishment was the result of a joint initiative by Poland and Germany and later received support from the UK, Sweden, and Italy.
"The purpose of the armored vehicle coalition is to strengthen the armored shield of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Joint efforts to increase the capabilities of our troops in the fight against the russian aggressor, ensure the effective functioning, technical maintenance, and repair of equipment and weaponry provided to us by allies," Deputy Defense Minister Ivan Havryliuk, who heads the Ukrainian delegation, said.
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According to Havryliuk, within the new Coalition, an appropriate road map will be developed that will correspond to the development strategy of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Four main directions over which the armored coalition will work have also been outlined:
- Supplying armored vehicles and ammunition to them;
- Technical servicing and repair;
- Training of crews and technical personnel;
- Developing effective tactics for using armored vehicles on the battlefield.
It should be noted that the member countries of the coalition have been actively supplying armored vehicles to Ukraine. For example, Germany has transferred Leopard 2A6 tanks to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The provision of spare parts for all Leopard 2 tanks directly depends on the work of German companies. In addition, Berlin regularly transfers Marder infantry fighting vehicles and Dingo armored vehicles.
Poland also plays an important role. The country transfers Leopard 2 A4 tanks and repairs and refurbishes them. Moreover, Poland has transferred a significant number of tanks of Soviet models.
In addition, Poland supplies armored vehicles to Ukraine, such as the Rosomak wheeled armored personnel carriers.
Sweden, moreover to supplying Strv 122 - a version of the Leopard 2A5, also provides the CV90 infantry fighting vehicles, the production of which Ukraine is interested in based on localization.
Great Britain is a supplier not only of Challenger 2 tanks but also of Mastiff armored vehicles and other MRAPs.
Italy's role in supplying armored vehicles to Ukraine, as of now, has been limited to transferring Iveco LMV armored vehicles.
Evidently, this coalition will continue to expand further. If we consider only European countries, it is entirely logical to expect the accession of France, which supplies VAB armored personnel carriers and wheeled vehicles such as the AMX-10RC. And also Spain, which is already becoming the largest donor of Leopard 2 tanks, relying solely on its own resources.
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