Ukrainian Armed Forces / Zbroyni Syly Ukrayiny

The Army Recognition editorial team explains what is the ACSV (Armored Combat Support Vehicle) that Canada will provide to Ukraine. Last week, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that Canada will deliver 39 ACSV 8x8 armored vehicles to Ukraine. The first vehicles were to be delivered to the Canadian army, but those will be delivered this summer to the Ukrainian army

On September 5, 2019, the government of Canada awarded GDLS-Canada (General Dynamics Land Systems) a $2 billion contract to provide 360 wheeled armored vehicles in eight variants including troop or cargo vehicle (TCV), ambulance, command post, engineer, electronic warfare, maintenance recovery, mobile repair team, and fitter/cargo vehicle to replace the LAV II Bison 8x8 armored vehicles and M113 tracked armored combat support capabilities.

The ACSV (Armored Combat Support Vehicle) is a new enhanced version of the LAV 6.0 developed by General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) Canada for the Canadian Army. It is a modernized version of the LAV III, also an 8x8 armored vehicle.

The ACSV is built on the same chassis as the Canadian Army’s primary fighting platform, the LAV 6.0, and will deliver a highly mobile and protected vehicle system able to provide command support, combat support and combat service support capabilities to forward elements of a brigade group formation during expeditionary and domestic operations.

Citing information from a Canadian army officer, as part of the fighting echelon, the ACSV has mobility and protection commensurate with the current combat fleet of the Leopard Main Battle Tank, the LAV 6.0, and the Tactical Armored Patrol Vehicle. The ACSV will differ significantly from the fleets the variants are replacing by providing crews and troops with enhanced power, mobility, longer operating ranges, protection, firepower, and safety features – all platforms will come with energy attenuating seats to protect from blast threats.

Building on the common chassis, the Canadian Army is also striving for a significant amount of modularity in the design of the ACSV family. The design and structure of the TCV, Ambulance and Command Post, for example, are identical and mission specialist payloads could be interchangeable if required.

The ACSV design consists of three main parts with the driver position at the front left side of the hull with the powerpack on its right, the commander hatch is located behind the driver's position and the troop's compartment at the rear. In terms of protection, the vehicle has a double-V hull and energy attenuated seats providing a high level of protection against ballistic and mine threats. Compared to the previous LAV, the ACSV has a raised troop compartment offering more space and comfort for infantrymen.

The ACSV also features an upgraded driveline, suspension, larger tires, and a more powerful engine to deliver significantly increased payload and superior mobility performance. Advanced electronics and sight upgrades provide improved target identification and weapon accuracy, all packaged in a turret with enhanced ergonomics and safety.

The ACSV is powered by a Caterpillar C9 engine developing 450 hp (335 kW) coupled to a ZF transmission with 7 forward and 1 reverse speed. The vehicle can run at a maximum road speed of 100 km/h with a maximum cruising range of 600 km. It can cross a trench of 2 m length and negotiate vertical obstacles up to 60 cm high. It can negotiate a gradient of 60 % and side slopes of 30 %. The turning radius of the vehicle is less than 19 m.

According to a video published by the 10th Separate Mountain Assault Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on July 11, 2022, the Czech Republic has delivered modernized version of its RM-70 122mm MLRS Multiple Launch Rocket Systems designed and manufactured by the company Excalibur Army.

To date, there was no official information about the delivery of the new generation of Czech-made RM-70 to Ukraine. Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the Czech Republic has already delivered different types of small weapons and ammunition as well as T-72M1 tanks, DANA 152mm 8x8 self-propelled howitzers, 2S1 122mm tracked self-propelled howitzers, BMP-1 tracked armored IFVs and Mi-24 attack helicopters.

In 2022, the Ukrainian army had already received from the Czech Republic a batch of 20 RM-70 122mm MLRS of the first generation. According to the video, Czech Republic has now delivered an undisclosed number of RM-70 Vampir, which is a modernized version of the RM-70.

The new modernized version of the RM-70, called RM-70 Vampir is based on the new Tatra T-815-7 8x8 military truck chassis fitted with a an armored cabin providing ballistic protection against firing of small arms and artillery shell splinters. The modernization of the MLRS will also include a new modern weapon control and aiming system, a fire control system with a ballistic computer, new inertial navigation with GPC systems, communication and data communication systems, and the ability to control the weapon system directly from the vehicle cabin or remotely.

The modernized RM-70 Vampir MLRS is able to fire all the standard 122mmm rockets as well as Czech rockets including HE-FRAG (High Explosive Fragmentation), incendiary, smoke, and illumination rockets. It can fire a full salvo of 40 rockets in less than 30 seconds. The highly explosive fragmentation rockets feature collapsible stabilizers and can engage targets within the maximum range of 20.3 km.


Czech Republic has delivered to Ukraine modernized version of RM-70 Vampir MLRS rocket launchers | Ukraine - Russia conflict war 2022 | analysis focus army defence military industry army (armyrecognition.com)

According to lepoint.fr, French president Emmanuel Macron had promised this additional shipment of CAESAR howitzers on June 16, during his visit to the Ukrainian capital. These six additional CAESAR howitzers are "en route" to Ukraine, said Tuesday the head of French diplomacy Catherine Colonna without mentioning a delivery date.

”France will deliver six additional Caesar long-range self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine to help it counter the Russian invasion”, President Emmanuel Macron said on June 16 while visiting Kyiv: “On top of the 12 Caesars already delivered, I took the decision (to deliver) in the coming weeks six additional Caesars,” Macron said at the end of a press conference alongside Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, and Romanian leader Klaus Iohannis.

The CAESAR entered into service with the French army in 1998. It has become a combat-proven artillery system that has already been deployed all over the world to conduct combat operations. The SPH is armed with a 155 mm/52 caliber cannon mounted at the rear of the truck chassis. It can fire a wide range of ammunition: among others, LU family (HE, Illuminating, Smoke and Practice) filled with insensitive or conventional explosives, the BONUS (Anti-Tank, smart), ERFB NR (Explosive Extended-Range Full-Bore), as well as the new Katana 155mm, guided artillery ammunition. It has a firing range from 4.5 to 40 km and a high level of accuracy with the LU family. In direct firing mode, the maximum range is 2 km.

According to information published by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on May 28, 2022, the CAESAR 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzers donated by France had already demonstrated their effectiveness and were used by Ukrainian soldiers to destroy Russian tanks, BMD airborne infantry fighting vehicles, and trucks.

Since the beginning of the military offensive launched by Moscow in Ukraine on February 24, Paris has delivered to Kyiv, on top of CAESAR howitzers, MILAN anti-tank missiles and Mistral anti-aircraft missiles.


Six more French CAESAR self-propelled howitzers on their way to Ukraine | Defense News July 2022 Global Security army industry | Defense Security global news industry army year 2022 | Archive News year (armyrecognition.com)

Joe Biden, le président des Etats-Unis. (Crédits : Reuters)

According to a statement published by the British Ministry of Defense on July 21, 2022, more than 20 M109 155mm self-propelled guns and 36 L119 105mm artillery guns will soon arrive in Ukraine from the UK, Defense Secretary Ben Wallace announced in an update to Parliament on July 21, 2022.

The UK will supply scores of artillery guns, hundreds of drones and hundreds more anti-tank weapons to Ukraine in the coming weeks, the Defence Secretary has revealed. Counter-battery radar systems and more than 50,000 rounds of ammunition for Ukraine’s existing Soviet-era artillery will also follow, he added.

The UK will also send more than 1,600 more anti-tank weapons in the coming weeks, along with drones, including hundreds of loitering aerial munitions.

So far 6,900 NLAW, Javelin, Brimstone and other anti-tank weapons, as well as 16,000 artillery rounds, six Stormer vehicles fitted with Starstreak anti-air missile launchers and hundreds of missiles have been sent to Ukraine.

The UK has also supplied maritime Brimstone missiles, multiple launch rocket systems, 120 armored fighting vehicles and large quantities of non-lethal aid including more than 82,000 helmets, 8,450 sets of body armor, and over 5,000 night vision devices.

The 20 M109s that the country will deliver to Ukraine are said to have been purchased from the Belgian company. On June 18, 2022, the Army Recognition editorial team reported that the United Kingdom purchased and refurbished more than 20 M109 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzers from a Belgian company.

In fact, in 2015, the Belgian private company Flanders Technical Supply (FTS) bought 64 M109A4BE 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzers which were previously used in several artillery battalions of the Belgian army. In 2008, the Belgian army withdrew from active service 64 M109A4BE 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzers.

In July 2022, British soldiers trained hundreds of Ukrainian soldiers in the use of the M270 MLRS and the L119 105mm light gun. The L119 is a 105mm towed gun that can fire high explosive, smoke, illumination, and blank ammunition.

The L119 105mm gun is capable of providing either direct fire support at armored vehicles or buildings or indirect fire in support of the combat arms at ranges in excess of 10 km.


UK delivers to Ukraine 20 M109 155mm howitzers and 36 L119 105mm guns | Defense News July 2022 Global Security army industry | Defense Security global news industry army year 2022 | Archive News year (armyrecognition.com)

According to information published by the "KRESY" website on July 24, 2022, Krzysztof Płatek, the spokesman of the Polish Armament Agency announced during an interview that Poland sent local-made PT-91 Twardy Main Battle Tanks to Ukraine, as part of military aid following the invasion of Russian troops.

On July 13, 2022, the Army Recognition editorial team reported that Poland could give to Ukraine 232 PT-91 Twardy Main Battle Tanks in exchange for American-made M1 Abrams tanks. Today, Poland has already provided Ukraine with a total of 240 tanks from its military inventory including Soviet-made T-72M1 and T-72M1R variants.

Citing the latest information published on Internet, Poland could acquire in the next few years South Korean K2 main battle tanks to replace old Soviet-made T-72 and local-made PT-91 tanks.

The PT-91 is a Main Battle Tank (MBT) also nicknamed Twardy (Hard), is a further development of the Soviet-made T-72M1, an export version of the T-72A, which has been produced under license in Poland for many years. The first prototype of the PT-91 was completed late in 1992 and underwent trials with the Polish Army. The tank is also in service with the Malaysian army.

The layout of the PT-91 is similar to the Soviet-made T-72A but with many improvements in terms of protection, mobility, and internal combat systems. The tank has a crew of three including a driver, commander, and gunner. It keeps the same armament as the Soviet-made T-72A including a 125-mm smoothbore gun 2A46 fitted with an automatic reloading mechanism that allowed for removing the gun's loader as a crew member and gave a rate of fire of 8 to 10 rounds per minute. Additional armament includes a 7.62-mm coaxial PKT and 12.7mm anti-aircraft NSVT machine guns.

The main improvements of the Polish-made PT-91 Twardy include the Installation of the Polish-developed explosive reactive armor Type ERAWA-1 and ERAWA-2 to the hull and turret, four laser warning antennas are fitted around the turret which alert the crew if it is being targeted by a laser range-finder or designator, 12 smoke-grenade dischargers are mounted on each side of the turret.

In terms of mobility, the PT-91 Twardy is motorized with a new diesel engine developing 850 hp as well as a new improved cooling system. The engine and crew compartment have been fitted with more modern fire detection and suppression system.

The PT-91 Twardy is fitted with a new computerized fire-control system installed, with the gunner's passive image intensification sight having the option of being changed for a Drawa thermal sight. A laser range-finder is fitted as standard and the 125 mm smoothbore main armament is stabilized in both elevation and traverse. The fire-control system has been developed by PCO of Poland. The commander (POD-72) and driver (PNK-72) have new passive night observation devices.


Poland sent local-made PT-91 Twardy tanks as part of its military aid to Ukraine | Defense News July 2022 Global Security army industry | Defense Security global news industry army year 2022 | Archive News year (armyrecognition.com)

According to information from the Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Rezniko, the Ukrainian armed forces received the first three Gepard anti-aircraft self-propelled gun vehicles from Germany. Three Gepard anti-aircraft gun systems were delivered on July 25, 2022.

Citing information from the Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Rezniko, the three Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft mobile gun systems were delivered as well as several thousand pieces of ammunition. Ukraine expects to receive from Germany 15 anti-aircraft combat vehicles.

On July 18, 2022, the Army Recognition team reported that 100 Ukrainian soldiers were trained in using the Gepard anti-aircraft tank by the German army (Bundeswehr) in Schleswig-Holstein.

Citing information from the German Government, Germany plans to provide 15 Gepard 35mm self-propelled anti-aircraft gun systems and around 60,000 rounds of ammunition.

The Gepard also nicknamed Cheetah, is a self-propelled anti-aircraft cannon that was developed by the German company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) between 1976 and 1980. The development of the vehicle started in the 1960s and it was fielded in the 1970s.

The Gepard is fitted with a two-man turret armed with two Oerlikon Contraves 35 mm KDA cannons which have a cyclic rate of fire of 550 rds/min. One 35mm cannon is mounted externally on either side of the turret and the anti-aircraft ammunition is fed via fixed and moving chutes which are hermetically sealed from the fighting compartment. Each cannon is loaded with 310 rounds of anti-aircraft and 20 rounds of armor-piercing ammunition. The cannons have a maximum firing range of 5,500 m with FAPDS ammunition. A bank of four 76 mm smoke grenade dischargers is mounted on either side of the turret.

As an anti-aircraft combat system, the Gepard is fitted with two radars including pulse Doppler search radar located at the rear of the turret roof and a tracking radar mounted at the front of the turret. In travel position, the search radar is lowered to the rear of the turret. The search radar operates in the E/F bands and has a range of 15 km. The NATO E band is a designation given to the radio frequencies from 2000 to 3 000 MHz while F designates radio frequencies from 3 000 to 4 000 MHz. The search radar rotates at 60 rpm and provides continuous airspace surveillance with an IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) capability.

The Gepard is based on the tracked armored chassis of the Leopard 1 MBT (Main Battle Tank), the original turret is removed and replaced by a two-man anti-aircraft gun system. It has a crew of three including a driver, commander, and gunner.



Ukraine received its three first Gepard 35mm anti-aircraft mobile gun systems from Germany | Ukraine - Russia conflict war 2022 | analysis focus army defence military industry army (armyrecognition.com)

According to information published by the German Newspaper "WELT" on July 22, 2022, Ukraine would be interested in acquiring eleven German-made Iris-T SLM air defense missile systems which could be partly financed by Germany.

On June 1, 2022, the Army Recognition editorial team reported that Germany will provide Ukraine with the German-made IRIS-T air dense missile system manufactured by the company Diehl Defence.

Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, Germany has always shown certain restraint in supplying offensive weapons to the Ukrainian armed forces, but in the case of the IRIS-T SLM, this weapon system is considered such as a defensive weapon that can be used to protect the city and people of Ukraine against aerial and missile attacks conducted by the Russian armed forces.

The IRIS-T SLM is a mobile surface-to-air defense missile system that was designed and developed by the German company Diehl BGT Defense. The missile can be used to counter and destroy aerial targets such as aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, guided weapons, air-to-surface missiles, anti-ship missiles, anti-radar rockets, and large-caliber rockets. It can be also used to destroy unmanned aerial vehicles at very short and medium-range distances.

The IRIS-T is a German-made short to a medium-range infrared homing air-to-air missile that was developed to intercept fast-moving and miniature targets, such as air-to-air/surface-to-air missiles and air-to-surface/surface-to-surface missiles and rockets, UAV/drones, and cruise missiles.

Based on the IRIS-T, the German company Diehl Defense has developed the IRIS-T SL, a land-based version. The missile can be launched from a vertical launcher station which can be mounted on wheeled or tracked combat vehicles. The IRIS-T SLM is the medium-range version of the IRIS-T SL.

The missile of the IRIS-T SLM has a maximum firing range of 40 km and an altitude of up to 20 km. The command and fire control vehicle is used to conduct the analysis of the threats and transmit firing orders to the launcher units. The vehicle is connected via a network to superior combat operation centers. The multi-function radar is able to detect aerial threats at a maximum range of 200 km on 360°. It can detect up to 500 objects at the same time.


Ukraine wants to buy 11 German-made IRIS-T SLM air defense missile systems | Defense News July 2022 Global Security army industry | Defense Security global news industry army year 2022 | Archive News year (armyrecognition.com)

According to information published by the German newspaper website "WELT" on July 27, 2022, Germany approves the sale of 100 PzH 2000 155mm self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine for an amount of €1.7 billion.

Citing information of German magazine Der Spiegel, the German company KMW (Krauss-Maffei Wegmann) the manufacturer of the PzH 2000 howitzer has already started the production of the first artillery systems for Ukraine. The full production of the 100 PzH 2000 howitzers for Ukraine will take several years to be completed. Currently, there has not yet been a decision on delivery times.

The Pzh 2000 howitzer is in service with the Ukrainian armed forces and it has already been used in combat operations against Russian forces. Indeed, in May 2022 Netherlands and Germany approved the delivery of 12 PzH 2000, 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine. The Netherlands has provided five examples to Ukraine while Germany has supplied seven.

On June 28, 2022, German Defense Minister Lambrechts announced that Germany in collaboration with the Netherlands will supply Ukraine with six additional PzH 2000 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzers.

The PzH 2000 is a German-made 155mm self-propelled howitzer based on a tracked armored chassis. The Production of the self-propelled artillery system for the German Army commenced at the Krauss-Maffei Wegmann facility in Kassel in the second half of 1997. Currently, the PzH 2000 howitzer is in service with Croatia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Netherlands, Qatar, and now Ukraine.

The design of the PzH 2000 consists of three main parts including the driver position at the front right side of the hull, the power pack to the left, and the turret towards the rear. The howitzer has a crew of five but it can be operated by a crew of three.

The PzH 2000 is armed with one 155 mm 52 caliber gun which is equipped with an automatic electrically driven projectile loading system enabling loading and firing to take place within the full traverse and elevation range. The 60-round projectile magazine as well as the complete shell handling system is controlled by an automatic data management system. It has a maximum firing range of 40 km using standard ammunition and up to 54 km with extended range ammunition such as Vulcano or Excalibur.


Germany approves the sale of 100 PzH 2000 155mm tracked howitzers to Ukraine | Defense News July 2022 Global Security army industry | Defense Security global news industry army year 2022 | Archive News year (armyrecognition.com)

According to information published by the Radio Television of Serbia on July 29, 2022, the Ministry of Defense of North Macedonia confirms the donation of its T-72A Main Battle Tanks to Ukraine. On July 30, 2022, a video was published on Social Network showing a convoy of main battle tanks on the way to Ukraine.

According to the military balance, North Macedonia's armed forces have a total of Soviet-made T-72A Main Battle Tanks (MBTs). Citing information from the Ministry of Defense from North Macedonia, the T-72A donated to Ukraine will be replaced by Western tanks to equip one battalion. The number of T-72A tanks donated to Ukraine was not specified.

North Macedonia formally became NATO’s 30th member on 27 March 2020. A strategic defense review was released in 2018, which set out aims to optimize, reorganize and modernize the armed forces into a small, modern, and flexible force. A 2019–2028 Defense Capability Development Plan (DCDP) consolidated long-term development goals aimed at developing collective defense, cooperative security, and crisis-management capabilities.

A Mid-term Defense Capabilities Development Plan, adopted in January 2020, is intended to help implement the DCDP. A new Defense Strategy, signed in March 2020, indicated development priorities as well as guidelines for improving defense planning. Work on MoD restructuring is underway.

The T-72A is the second generation of MBT in the T-72 family that entered production in 1970 and was accepted for service with the Russian army in June 1979.

The main armament of the T-72A consists of one 125 mm (2A46) smoothbore gun fitted with a light-alloy thermal sleeve and a bore evacuator. The gun fires three main types of separate loading ammunition, APFSDS with a maximum range of 2,100 m, HEAT-FS with a maximum direct fire range of 4,000 m, and HE-FRAG(FS) with a maximum indirect fire range of 9,400 m.

The overall layout of the T-72A is similar to all Soviet tank series with the driver's compartment at the front, the combat turret in the center, and the engine and transmission at the rear. The tank has a crew of three thanks to the use of an automatic loading system with 24 rounds of ready-to-fire ammunition. The tank carries a total of 39 rounds, 12 are APFSDS-T, 21 HE-FRAG(FS), and the remaining six HEAT-FS. The additional rounds of ammunition are stowed in racks behind the turret basket and in indentations in the rear floor fuel cell and second forward right cell near the driver.

The T-72A is powered by a V-12 piston V-46-6 multi-fuel air-cooled engine developing 780 hp. The tank can reach a maximum road speed of 60 km/h with a maximum cruising range of 480 km that can be extended to 550 km with the use of two additional fuel drums mounted at the rear of the chassis.



North Macedonia donates its T-72A main battle tanks to Ukraine in exchange for Western tanks | Defense News July 2022 Global Security army industry | Defense Security global news industry army year 2022 | Archive News year (armyrecognition.com)

According to a Tweet published by the German Ministry of Defense on July 29, 2022, the German Minister Lambrecht has decided to deliver to Ukraine a package of 16 tracked armored bridge laying engineer tanks called in the German army as Biber.

With this new aid in military equipment to Ukraine, Germany shows its willingness to strengthen the military capabilities of the Ukrainian army in the face of the invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces.

Indeed, last week Germany announced the delivery to Ukraine of three MARS II MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System), as well as 15 Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft tracked armored vehicles.

The first production Biber bridge layer was completed in 1975. The official German Army designation is Brückenlegepanzer Biber or BRP-1. The Biber is a bridge layer armored vehicle based on a modified tracked chassis of Leopard 1 MBT (Main Battle Tank). The vehicle is designed to be used by engineer troops and to create a bridge of 20m on the battlefield.

The hull of the Biber is almost identical to that of the Leopard 1 MBT but without the original turret. The bridge laying system is mounted on the top of the hull. The bridge is of aluminum construction having a total span of 22 m, allowing a gap of up to 20 m to be spanned. The main advantage of the Biber is that its bridge is extended horizontally rather than vertically as with the majority of bridge layers. When traveling, the bridge is carried in two symmetrical 11 m halves, one above the other. The bridge can be laid in less than 3 minutes.

The Biber uses the same tracked chassis as the Leopard 1 MBT. It is powered by an MTU MB 838 Ca M-500 10-cylinder multi-fuel turbocharged diesel engine developing 830 hp at 2,300 rpm coupled to a ZF HP 250 transmission planetary shift with 4 forward and 2 reverse gears. It can run at a maximum road speed of 62 km/h with a maximum cruising range of 450 km.



Germany to deliver 16 Biber bridge layer engineer tanks to Ukraine | Defense News July 2022 Global Security army industry | Defense Security global news industry army year 2022 | Archive News year (armyrecognition.com)

The Norwegian Ministry of Defense announced on 29 July that it has donated 14 IVECO LMV Lynx (Lince) light armored patrol vehicles to Ukraine. These vehicles are of the same type that Norwegian forces used in Afghanistan.

The vehicles are in demand by the Ukrainian authorities and come in addition to other military equipment such as artillery, portable anti-aircraft defense and armored personnel carriers that Norway has already donated to Ukraine. ‘’Norway continues to contribute to the Ukrainians' fight for freedom. The government is constantly assessing how Norway can provide further support to Ukraine in the country's defense against Russia's invasion’’, said Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram.

Iveco LMV (Light Multirole Vehicle) is a 4WD tactical vehicle designed in the 1990s and the first LMVs were produced in 2001. It is in service with several countries. After its adoption by the Italian Army as the Veicolo-Tattico-Leggero-Multiruolo (VTLM) Lince ("Light tactical multirole vehicle Lynx"), it won the Future Command and Liaison Vehicle (FCLV) competition of the British Army as the Panther which was produced between 2006 and 2009. The fleet was put up for sale in 2018. It has been adopted by the armies of Albania, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Norway, Russia and Spain. The Italian Army took vehicles to both Afghanistan and Lebanon. In Afghanistan, Lince vehicles have saved passengers' lives in several attacks with IEDs.

The LMV uses modular armor packs to adjust its level of protection to its mission requirements. In regards to mine protection, the vehicle's ground clearance has been increased to 493 mm without increasing the overall height (less than 2 meters); it also uses suspended seats of aeronautical derivation, a V-hull underbody, and a collapsible sandwich structure in the floor to deflect and absorb mine blasts. Its exhaust is piped through its C-pillars, and its turbocharger is located underneath the engine to reduce its thermal signature. Mobility is helped by a run-flat system, allowing the vehicle to move even with completely deflated tires. It is related to the Fiat Oltre concept car unveiled in 2005.



Norway donates IVECO Lynx armored patrol vehicles to Ukraine | Defense News August 2022 Global Security army industry | Defense Security global news industry army year 2022 | Archive News year (armyrecognition.com)

According to a tweet posted on August 1 by Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov, "Third brother in the Long Hand family - MLRS MARS II from Germany - has arrived in Ukraine".

Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov thanked Germany and personally his German counterpart, Christine Lambrecht, for these systems: "Our artillerymen salute our German partners!" he said. On June 23, Reznikov already said that American HIMARS systems had arrived in Ukraine. On July 15, he said that Ukraine had received the first long-range M270 multiple launch rocket systems.

The M270 MLRS has been used in Germany since 1990 under the name MARS: medium artillery rocket system. With MARS, different types of ammunition can be fired over distances of 10 to 40 km.

MARS II/MLRS-E and the new ammunition GMLRS (Guided Multiple-Launch Rocket System)

The development and procurement of the modern GMLRS rockets required an increase in the combat effectiveness of the MLRS launchers, which are now known under the name MARS II/MLRS-E. MARS II/MLRS-E in combination with GMLRS enables high-precision engagement of point and single targets (artillery sniper weapon).

In cooperation with various European partners, KMW carried out the upgrade and modernization for several nations:


Germany: from MARS to MARS II/MLRS-E
Italy: from MLRS to MLRS Improved
France: from MLRS to Lance Roquette Unitaire (LRU)

• Integration of the European Fire Control System (EFCS) with the additional functionality to launch guided GMLRS missiles.


• Replacement of the outdated hydraulic straightening drives with an electric straightening system (Electrical Launch Drive System – ELDS) developed by KMW, which enables fast straightening and reduces the previous maintenance and repair costs compared to the hydraulic system.


• Installation of fully automatic halon and CFC-free fire extinguishing system with the fire extinguishing agent nitrogen for the engine compartment. It enables automatic fire monitoring and firefighting, even up to 24 hours after the MARS II/MLRS-E launcher has been switched off. In contrast to the other two measures to increase combat effectiveness, this retrofit package is currently only used in Germany and Italy.

The MARS II/MLRS-E system is prepared for further additional capability expansions.


M270 MLRS MARS II from Germany has arrived in Ukraine | Ukraine - Russia conflict war 2022 | analysis focus army defence military industry army (armyrecognition.com)

 
Training on the use of the Vector reconnaissance drone usually takes no more than four days. For
security reasons, no further details on the quantity and timing of the deliveries will be given until the
handover has taken place. (Picture source: Quantum-Systems)

According to a video published on the Telegram account of "Реальная Война | Украина" on August 9, 2022, Turkey may have delivered 4x4 armored vehicles called Kirpi to Ukraine. If the information is true, this delivery could compromise the good relations between Turkey and Russia. For the moment, there is no official information from the Turkish government.

Indeed, Turkey has been actively involved in mediation efforts in the 2022 Russian-Ukrainian War due to its important relations with both countries. Ukraine has asked both Israel and Turkey to set up talks with Russia for negotiations. By the way, Turkey has provided Ukraine with Bayraktar drones since 2019, which played a significant role in deterring Russian advances in the early stages of the 2022 Russian-Ukrainian War, but has not imposed sanctions on Russia for the conflict.

According to the SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute) arms trade database, Turkey had already delivered military equipment including 12 Bayraktar TB-2 drones in 2018, and Ukraine ordered another batch of 48 Bayraktar TB-2 drones in 2020, with a delivery planned for 2022.

At the beginning of the video published on Telegram, a soldier in a Ukrainian uniform can be seen getting into a Kipri vehicle parked in an undisclosed location. Citing information published on Wikipedia, Ukrainian forces have received Turkish BMC KİRPİ 4x4 MRAP vehicles, with the Ukrainian Marines having received 50- another 150 are due to arrive.

The Kirpi is a 4x4 armored vehicle in the MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) category that was designed and developed by the Turkish company BMC. The vehicle was unveiled for the first time to the public in 2010 during the defense exhibition Eurosatory in France. The Kirpi vehicle is already in service with Kosovo, Libya, Pakistan, Qatar, Somalia, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, and now Ukraine.

The layout of the Kirpi MRAP is similar to a heavy truck with armor protection. The engine is located at the front, the crew member in the middle and the troop's compartment at the rear. The vehicle can carry a total of 13 military personnel including a driver, commander, gunner, and 10 infantrymen.

The Kirpi is based on a BMC 4x4 truck chassis model 235-16P. The vehicle is motorized with a Turbo diesel intercooler Cummins ISLe+ 350 Euro-III, coupled to an Allison 3000 transmission with 5 forward gears and 1 reverse. The Kirpi can be run at a maximum speed of 100 km/h with a maximum range of 800 km.

The roof of the Kiprpi MRAP can be fitted with a range of weapon stations as well as a remotely operated weapon station armed with a machine gun up to 12.7mm caliber or one 40mm automatic grenade launcher.



Turkey would have delivered Kirpi MRAP 4x4 armored vehicles to Ukraine | Defense News August 2022 Global Security army industry | Defense Security global news industry army year 2022 | Archive News year (armyrecognition.com)

According to information published by the British MoD (Ministry of Defense) on August 11, 2022, the United Kingdom will send further M270 multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS) to Ukraine as well as a significant number of precision-guided M31A1 rockets which can strike targets up to 80 km away.

The UK was the first European country to supply lethal aid to Ukraine and has since provided thousands of anti-tank missiles, anti-air systems and armored vehicles to Ukrainian forces.

On June 6, 2022, the British MoD (Ministry of Defense) announced the delivery of three M270 MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System) coming from the British army inventory. The decision came in response to requests from Ukrainian forces for longer-range precision weapons in order to defend themselves from Russian heavy artillery, which has been used to devastating effect in the eastern Donbas region.

Those last weeks, Ukrainian troops were trained on how to use the rocket launcher systems in the UK, so that they can maximize the effectiveness of the systems. Britain previously announced that Ukrainian personnel would be trained to use a variety of armored vehicles which the UK donated, including Mastiff, Husky and Wolfhound wheeled armored vehicles. Other European countries as Denmark and Germany have already supplied M270 MLRS to Ukraine.

According to the military balance 2021, the British armed forces have a total of 35 M270B1, 227mm MLRS Multiple Launch Rocket System. The M270B1 is an improved version of the American M270 MLRS.

The M270B1 is the British army upgrade of the M270 which is similar to the American M270A1 but it is fitted with an enhanced armor package providing more protection against IED (Improvised Explosive Device) attacks. The three-man crew consists of the driver, gunner and section chief, all of whom are seated in the fully enclosed cab at the front of the vehicle.

The M270A1 can carry two launch pods, each containing either six Guided MLRS (GMLRS)/MLRS rockets or one Army Tactical Missile System missile. When firing GMLRS-Unitary precision rockets, MLRS can achieve ranges of 70-plus kilometers, attacking the target with low-collateral damage, enabling danger-close fires (within 200 meters) in support of friendly troops in contact, as well as engaging high-valued point targets in open, urban and complex environments.

The M31A1Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System-Unitary (GMLRS-Unitary) is a Global Positioning System (GPS) guided rocket with a 90 kg unitary warhead. The M31A1 GMLRS-Unitary has a multi-mode fuse with point detonate, delay, and proximity capabilities. The rocket is capable of attacking targets out to ranges of 70 km and uses Inertial Measurement Unit guidance along with GPS to enhance accuracy. GMLRS-Unitary can be launched from the M270A1 MLRS based on a tracked chassis and the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) based on a wheeled truck chassis.


UK to deliver Ukraine with more M270 rocket launchers and M31A1 guided rockets | Defense News August 2022 Global Security army industry | Defense Security global news industry army year 2022 | Archive News year (armyrecognition.com)

According to information published on the Twitter account "MilitaryLand.net" on August 14, 2022, the Ukrainian army 79th Air Assault Brigade received 11 MLS Shield 4x4 wheeled armored vehicles produced by the Italian company Tekne.

Citing information from MilitaryLand.net, the MLS Shield vehicles were bought by Ukrainian army volunteers and Poroshenko Foundation. On July 9, 2022, the Army Recognition editorial team reported that Ukraine had bought an undisclosed number of MLS SHIELD 4x4 wheeled tactical armored vehicles Italian-made via private funds.

The purchase of 11 MLS Shield wheeled armored vehicles for the amphibious assault troops of Ukraine was made by the foundation of ex-President of Ukraine P. Poroshenko together with the public organization "Right Hromad" with the assistance of the Embassy of Ukraine in Italy and the Italian military attaché in Kyiv.

TEKNE is an Italian company that designs and manufactures electronic systems and electrical systems, focusing, from the very beginning, on special vehicles and agricultural machinery.

The MLS SHIELD is a 4x4 armored vehicle and has a conventional design with the engine at the front, crew in the middle, and troops compartment at the rear. The crew includes one driver and commander seated at the front of the vehicle. The rear of the hull can accommodate up to eight military personnel. There is one single door on each side at the front of the vehicle and one additional door at the rear of the hull.

The hull of the MLS SHIELD provides protection against the firing of small arms 5.56x45 armor-piercing rounds as well as 7.62x51 FMJ lead core threats. The armor of the vehicle also provides protection against mine or IED (Improvised Explosive Device) blast explosion.

The roof of the MLS SHIELD vehicle can be fitted with a wide range of weapon systems including ring-mount, one-man open-top turret or remotely operated weapon station that can be armed with one 7.62mm or 12.7mm machine gun as well as a 40mm automatic grenade launcher.

The MLS SHIELD is powered by a Cummins 6.7L I6 Turbo Diesel engine developing 360 hp coupled to a 6-speed Allison 3200SP automatic transmission. It can run at a maximum road speed of 110 km/h.


79th Air Assault Brigade of Ukraine receives 11 MLS Shield armored vehicles purchased in Italy | Defense News August 2022 Global Security army industry | Defense Security global news industry army year 2022 | Archive News year (armyrecognition.com)

According to information published by the Slovak Ministry of Defense on August 13, 2022, Ukraine took delivery of the first batch of Zuzana 2 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzers manufactured by the Slovak company Konštrukta Defense.

On May 16, 2022, the Army Recognition editorial team reported that Slovakia has signed a contract with Ukraine for the delivery of Zuzana 2 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzers.

Citing information from the Slovak Ministry of Defense, Ukraine took delivery of four Zuzana 2 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzers out of the eight ordered.

Since the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian armed forces, Slovakia has already delivered 10 million l (2,200,000 imp gal, 2,600,000 US gal) of petrol, 2.6 million l (570,000 imp gal; 690,000 US gal) of kerosene jet fuel for aircraft, 12,000 rounds of 120 mm ammunition, 486 air defense systems, 100 air defense launchers and anti-tank missiles, one S-300 air defense missile system, thousands of 122mm Grad rockets, 4 Mil Mi-17 helicopters and one Mil Mi-2 helicopter.

The Zuzana 2 is a wheeled 155mm self-propelled howitzer fully designed and developed by the Slovak company Konstrukta Defence. This artillery system consists of one 155mm/52 caliber gun mounted on a TATRA 815 8×8 truck chassis.

The Zuzana 2 has a very unique design with the artillery weapon system fitted in a fully enclosed turret mounted on a TATRA 815 8×8 truck chassis with the driver's compartment at the front and the engine compartment at the rear. The turret is in two parts with the 152 mm ordnance being mounted in the aisle between them. Each half of the turret is fully enclosed and is provided with access doors, roof hatches, and vision devices.

The Zuzana 2 is fitted with an automatic loading system that enables a maximum firing range in automatic mode of 5 rounds per minute or 5 rounds in one minute. It also has the capacity to fire 2 rounds per minute in manual mode. It carries a total of 40 projectiles and charges. Of the 40 charges carried, 30 are in the automatic magazine and 10 in the fixed magazine. Ammunition handling is fully automatic with ramming and loading of projectiles and charges. It has a minimum firing range of 5 km and a maximum firing of 41.5 km with ERFB-BB (Extended Range Full Bore – Base Bleed propellant), and extended-range artillery ammunition.


Ukraine takes delivery of 4 Zuzana 2 155mm self-propelled howitzers sold by Slovakia | Defense News August 2022 Global Security army industry | Defense Security global news industry army year 2022 | Archive News year (armyrecognition.com)