France to provide Ukraine with hundreds of armoured vehicles and Aster anti-aircraft missiles
Paris, France (Svidomi) — France has announced a new military aid package that will include armoured vehicles and Aster missiles for Ukraine, French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu said in an interview with La Tribune.
"To hold such a large frontline, the Ukrainian army needs, for example, our VAB (Vehicule de I'avant blinde) armoured personnel carriers. It is extremely important for the mobility of troops,"
Lecornu added.
The armoured personnel carriers are designed to quickly transport troops to the battlefield under the cover of armour.
"This old equipment, which is still working, will benefit Ukraine directly if it is in significant quantities. We can talk about hundreds of units for delivery in 2024 and early 2025," the minister explained.
France will purchase new vehicles for its army to replace armoured personnel carriers.
Aster missiles will strengthen Ukraine's air defence. The SAMP/T anti-aircraft missile system, for which the Aster will be delivered, can shoot down aircraft, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles.
On March 26, at the presentation of France's weapons strategy, Lecornu promised to transfer 78 Caesar self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine.
The minister also spoke about 100,000 155mm shells that France would be able to produce in 2024. Of these, 80,000 will go to Ukraine and 20,000 to the French army.
It will be recalled that three French companies will produce military equipment and ammunition in Ukraine.
