France is set to bolster Ukraine’s military capabilities by supplying hundreds of old armoured vehicles and new surface-to-air missiles as part of a renewed aid package. French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu confirmed the commitment in a series of interviews, detailing the plan to equip Kyiv with older but still operational French equipment.
Lecornu emphasized that the Ukrainian forces require enhanced mobility to maintain their extensive front line against Russian aggression. “The Ukrainian army needs to defend a very long front line, which requires armoured vehicles; this is absolutely crucial for troop mobility and is part of the Ukrainian requests,” he stated.
As the French army transitions to the new Griffon armored personnel carriers, the decommissioned VABs are seen as an invaluable asset to the Ukrainian defense. Lecornu noted, “This old equipment, which is still operational, will be directly beneficial to Ukraine in large quantities. We can talk about hundreds for 2024 and early 2025.”
Additionally, France is responding to Kyiv’s urgent call for improved air defense measures by providing Aster 30 anti-aircraft missiles for the SAMP/T air defense systems, comparable to the US-supplied Patriot systems. The Aster missiles are part of a concerted effort to enhance Ukraine’s capabilities to counter recent intense Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure.
The French defense ministry’s initiative comes at a time when Ukraine is facing severe ammunition shortages and is under relentless assault from Russian forces. In his Easter message, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky implored his nation to endure, highlighting the relentless nature of the conflict, “There is no night or day when Russian terror does not try to break our lives. But we defend ourselves, we endure, our spirit does not give up and knows that it is possible to avert death. Life can prevail.”
Ukraine’s need for Western military aid remains acute as Russian attacks persist and disrupt energy infrastructure. The national energy operator Ukrenergo reported emergency shutdowns following strikes on high-voltage facilities in the south, including the Black Sea city of Odesa. Meanwhile, Zelensky has urged for the end of a political impasse in Washington that has delayed a substantial $60 billion aid package.
The French contribution also includes the development of “remotely operated munitions in a very short timeframe,” aiming to deliver these to Ukraine as early as this summer. These efforts represent a significant intensification of French support for Ukraine, as Paris calls upon its defense industry to expedite production to fulfill both domestic needs and sustained assistance to Ukraine.
As part of its comprehensive support, France is not only providing materiel but also increasing its ammunition deliveries, including plans to supply Kyiv with 78 self-propelled Caesar howitzers. Collaboration between the French and Ukrainian defense industries is also on the agenda, with potential partnerships in the drone technology sector.
Relevant articles:
– France to provide armoured vehicles, missiles to Ukraine – France’s defence minister said Paris would deliver “hundreds” of armoured personnel carriers and anti-aircraft missiles as part of a new aid package to Ukraine in its war against Russian invaders
– France to send European equivalent of American Patriot Aster 30 missiles to Ukraine, Euromaidan Press, Sun, 31 Mar 2024 07:31:18 GMT
– Lecornu: France will supply Ukraine with hundreds of armored vehicles and Aster missiles, Militarnyi, Sun, 31 Mar 2024 09:01:57 GMT
– France to give Ukraine hundreds of armoured vehicles and missiles for SAMP/T air defence systems, Ukrainska Pravda, Sun, 31 Mar 2024 10:14:17 GMT