The French Defense Minister announced that France will be sending “hundreds” of anti-aircraft missiles and armored personnel carriers to Ukraine as part of a new aid package in their conflict against Russian forces.
In an interview with La Tribune newspaper published on Saturday, Sebastien Lecornu stated that providing VAB vehicles is crucial for the Ukrainian army to manage its extensive front line and ensure troop mobility, even though some of these vehicles are over 40 years old.
While France is in the process of replacing its VAB fleet with newer Griffon armored vehicles, Lecornu emphasized that the older models are still functional and that France plans to deliver “hundreds” of them to Ukraine by 2024 and early 2025.
Additionally, France will supply Ukraine with more Aster 30 anti-aircraft missiles for SAMP/T launchers, similar to the US Patriot air defense systems. Lecornu mentioned that France is also fast-tracking the development of remotely operated munitions, intending to start delivering them to Ukraine as early as this summer.
Paris is urging defense companies to ramp up production to meet its own military requirements while ensuring ongoing support to Ukraine, especially as the country has reported depleting stocks of munitions. Ukraine has called on its allies, particularly the United States, to resolve a political deadlock that has stalled a new $60 billion aid package.
