Germany to provide €11 billion in military aid to Ukraine until 2028
As of December 21, 2023, Germany continues to provide substantial support to Ukraine in its defensive efforts against Russia. Germany holds the position of being the largest European contributor and ranks as the world's second-largest contributor, following the United States, with nearly €6 billion dedicated to this cause. This support includes a wide range of material donations, logistical assistance, training programs, and cooperative initiatives.
Since the start of the conflict, Germany has provided several armored vehicles, including Leopard 2A6 tanks, MARS II rocket launchers, Marder 1A3 IFVs, and PZH 2000 self-propelled howitzers. (Picture source: German MoD)
18 F-16 néerlandais officiellement mis à disposition de l'Ukraine
Les Pays-Bas ont officiellement mis à la disposition de l’Ukraine un premier groupe d'avions de combat F-16. Ce premier groupe compte 18 appareils.
La ministre Kajsa Ollongren en a fait part aujourd'hui à la Chambre des représentants.
Désormais, après la décision du gouvernement de Mark Rutte d'acheminer les F-16, du personnel peut être désigné et un budget alloué pour préparer la livraison de ces avions de combat sur lesquels Kiev compte désespérément.
Cette nouvelle décision intervient après l'inauguration du centre européen de formation F-16 en Roumanie. Ce centre a été inauguré le mois dernier par les ministres de la Défense néerlandais et roumain.
Ukraine : une « coalition des feux » bientôt lancée à Paris
Nathan Gain 26 décembre, 2023
Une coalition dédiée au renforcement des appuis-feux ukrainiens sera lancée en janvier à Paris, annonçait le ministère de la Défense ukrainien à la veille de Noël.
Après la défense anti-aérienne, l’artillerie. Une coalition reprenant le modèle de celle lancée plus tôt à Berlin entamera ces travaux le mois prochain dans la capitale française, indiquait le 24 décembre le vice-ministre de la Défense ukrainien, le lieutenant-général Ivan Gavrylyuk.
Cette future coalition n’est pas davantage détaillée, mais nombreux sont les pays susceptibles d’y prendre part. Hormis la France, l’Estonie, la Finlande, l’Italie ou encore l’Australie ont fourni divers systèmes aux forces ukrainiennes. Un appui précieux mais insuffisant. « Il est très important pour l’Ukraine d’augmenter sa puissance de feu grâce à la fourniture de systèmes d’artillerie par les alliés », déclarait le vice-ministre lors d’une rencontre avec une délégation sénatoriale française.
Une cinquantaine de CAESAR ont été soit donnés par la France et le Danemark, soit achetés par l’Ukraine. Derrière les quelques pièces détruites, « les canons automoteurs CAESAR ont démontré une grande efficacité et précision au combat », notait le lieutenant-général Ivan Gavryliuk. Ses forces souhaitent maintenant en acquérir davantage pour répondre à leurs besoins, complétait-il.
Ce constat, les sénateurs Cédric Perrin (LR), Olivier Cigolotti (UC), Ronan Le Gleut (LR) et Jean-Marc Vayssouze-Faure (SER-Lot) l’ont eux aussi relevé lors de leur déplacement à Kyiv. « Tous les éléments recueillis au cours de cette mission confirment qu’il est urgent d’accroître la fourniture à l’Ukraine des munitions et des équipements décisifs dans ce conflit (drones, artillerie, moyens de guerre électronique) », indiquaient-ils dans un communiqué.
« Nous devons faire mieux, en particulier sur la livraison de munitions et sur les coopérations industrielles entre nos deux pays. C’est maintenant qu’il faut agir », ajoutait Cédric Perrin. Plusieurs leviers permettent d’avancer sur cette voie. Non seulement l’industrie poursuit l’effort engagé sur la réduction des cycles de production, mais la France a aussi promis de réabonder son fonds de soutien à l’Ukraine à hauteur de 200 M€.
L’évolution du CAESAR est également dans le collimateur de la Défense ukrainienne. Des tests à partir d’une conduite des tirs assistée par intelligence artificielle sont ainsi programmés pour l’an prochain. D’après le vice-ministre de la Défense, ce recours à l’IA permettra de réduire de 30% le nombre de munitions nécessaires pour atteindre les cibles. Une manière comme une autre de répondre au manque de munitions dans ce segment, à l’heure où le lieutenant-général demande au partenaire français d’accélérer sur la livraison d’obus de 155 mm.
US-Donated M109A6 Paladin Howitzers Now Operational with Ukraine's 93rd Brigade in Bakhmut Sector
According to pictures published on social networks on December 27, 2023, the M109A6 Paladin 155mm self-propelled howitzers, donated by the United States, are now in service with the 93rd Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. These units have been deployed in the Bakhmut sector to fight Russian troops. Read News Russia -
US-donated M109A6 155mm self-propelled howitzers are now in service with the 93rd Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. (Picture source Social Network)
Ukrainian military intelligence SBU unveils new drone USV Mamai
According to information published by Суспільне on December 28, 2023, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has incorporated two unmanned surface vessels (USV), Sea Baby and Mamai, into its Black Sea operations. The drone, known for its high speed of up to 110 km/h, has been involved in attacks on Russian naval vessels, including a landing ship Olenegorsky Gornyak and the tanker Sig.
Ukrainian Soldiers Consider Swedish STRV 122 Among Best Tanks for Its High Accuracy
In a recent video report released by Ukrainian media on December 27, 2023, the Swedish STRV 122 (Stridsvagn 122) Main Battle Tank, an upgraded version of the German Leopard 2A5, has been highlighted for its exceptional combat performance against Russian forces. The report showcases the tank's remarkable accuracy, detailing its ability to hit targets at distances up to 3.8 kilometers with high precision on the first shot. Currently, the STRV 122 is deployed with Ukraine's 21st Separate Mechanized Brigade, playing a pivotal role in their ongoing military engagements.
The Swedish STRV 122 Main Batlle Tank is in service with the Ukrainian army since several weeks. (Picture source Twitter account MilitaryLand.net)
L'incertitude après la 54e cession US de matériel militaire à Kiev
Les Etats-Unis ont annoncé mercredi le déblocage de matériels militaires d'une valeur de 250 millions de dollars destinés à l'Ukraine.
Cette nouvelle cession (la 54e) comprend: - des munitions pour les systèmes antiaériens NASAMS; - missiles des Stinger - des équipements de défense antiaérienne - des munitions pour les HIMARS; - des obus de 155mm et de 105mm - des missiles TOW et Javelin, des lance-roquettes antichars AT-4; - 15 millions de cartouches de petit calibre - des charges de démolition - des pièces détachées; - du matériel médical etc.
A voir aussi la Fact Sheet on U.S. Security Assistance to Ukraine du 27 décembre 2023.
Il s'agit de la dernière tranche US disponible sans un nouveau vote au Congrès américain.
Les négociations patinent toujours entre parlementaires républicains et démocrates sur la validation de l'enveloppe de 61 milliards réclamée avec insistance par le président américain Joe Biden et son homologue ukrainien Volodymyr Zelensky.
Les parlementaires américains feront leur rentrée le 8 janvier. Pour l'instant, les chefs républicains et démocrates du Sénat n'ont fait que dire leur intention de valider cette enveloppe, qui comprend un volet militaire, humanitaire et macro-économique.
La France soutient les forces armées ukrainiennes dans leur combat pour la liberté. Des formations spécifiques aux systèmes d’artillerie, au combat d’infanterie, à la reconnaissance blindée, contre-minage, secours au combat, ou à l’appui-feu air/sol sont délivrées. pic.twitter.com/xVpL4y3GBI
— Armée française - Opérations militaires (@EtatMajorFR) December 28, 2023
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Ukraine Launches Massive Production of UJ-26 Beaver Kamikaze Drones for Deep Strikes Inside Russia
Defense News December 2023 Global Security army industry POSTED ON FRIDAY, 29 DECEMBER 2023 16:06
Recent reports from Ukrainian media outlets reveal a significant upsurge in the nation's defense manufacturing capabilities. In just a few months, Ukraine has managed to triple its production of indigenous defense products. A notable achievement in this expansion is the large-scale production of the new UJ-26 Beaver, a long-range loitering munition also known as a kamikaze drone, designed to target key locations deep within Russian territory. Demonstrating remarkable growth in its drone technology sector, Ukraine has increased its drone production by a staggering 100 times in 2023 compared to the previous year.
The Ukrainian-made UJ-26 Beaver loitering munition can reach a target at a maximum range of 1,000 km. (Picture source Social Network)
Leading the surge in production is the UJ-26 Beaver, a long-range loitering munition, also known as a kamikaze drone. This latest addition to the Ukrainian arsenal is capable of striking targets deep within Russian territory. Remarkably, the production of these drones in 2023 has surged by a hundredfold compared to the previous year, marking a significant escalation in Ukraine's defensive capabilities.
The Ukrainian defense industry's expansion is evident in the number of companies involved in unmanned systems manufacturing. Currently, around 200 companies are engaged in this sector, with 50 of them already authorized to supply their products to the military. This marks a significant increase from the previous year, with twelve times more enterprises contributing to the defense effort.
Recent attacks on Moscow, including strikes on the IQ-quarter high-rise buildings and possibly even the Kremlin, have been attributed to the use of the Beaver drone. These incidents, occurring in July and August 2023, have highlighted the drone's operational effectiveness and strategic impact.
The Beaver is distinct in its design and capabilities. Produced by UkrJet, a private Ukrainian company, it features a unique canard aerodynamic configuration with smaller front wings, enabling effective altitude changes and evasion of air defense systems. Costing over $100,000 each, these drones are a significant investment in Ukraine's defense strategy.
With a wingspan of about 2.5 meters, a speed of 150 to 200 km/h, and a range of 800 to 1,000 km, the Beaver is equipped to carry a 20 kg warhead. Its design, resembling a 'duck' with its engine or propeller at the rear, makes it a distinctive presence in the skies.
The technology underpinning the Ukrainian Beaver drones shows striking similarities to the Shahed series of UAVs developed by Iran. This parallel in technological design reflects in their operational capabilities, although each series has its unique specifications. The Shahed drones, notably the smaller Shahed-131 and the larger Shahed-136, are designed for different operational ranges and payload capacities. The Shahed-131 can transport 15 kilograms of explosives over a range of 900 kilometers, while the Shahed-136 is capable of flying up to 2,000 kilometers with a 40-50 kilogram warhead. The Ukrainian Beaver drones, while sharing a technological lineage with the Shahed series, have been adapted and modified to meet specific operational requirements.
Main technical specifications of the Ukrainian-made UJ-26 Beaver Kamikaze drone. (Picture source Telegram RYBAR)
Ukrainian Pilots Begin Flying F-16 Fighter Jet in Denmark Following Basic Training Completion in UK
In a recent update from the British Ministry of Defense, dated December 26, 2023, it's been reported that Ukrainian pilots are actively participating in an advanced training program in Denmark to operate F-16 fighter jets. This follows their completion of a foundational training program in the UK. This initiative forms a crucial part of a broader coalition effort, spearheaded by NATO members Denmark and the Netherlands, to enhance Ukraine's air force capabilities amid its continuing conflict with Russia.
Dutch Air Force F-16AM fighter aircraft. (Picture source Wikimedia)
#Czech-made 152mm/L37 self-propelled howitzer Dana-M2, made by @excaliburarmycz, in the armament of the #Ukrainian 56th Separate Motorized Mariupol Brigade.
Ukraine is expected to receive 26 Dana-M2 howitzers and several thousand DN1CZ artillery… pic.twitter.com/j6Sy3n5SMj
— ???????????????????????? ???????????? ???????????????????? (@praisethesteph) December 31, 2023
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Sujet: Re: Ukrainian Armed Forces / Zbroyni Syly Ukrayiny Mar 2 Jan 2024 - 20:46
Czech CZ Bren 2 5.56 with 8' barrel and silencer in service of Ukrainian Forces.
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Sujet: Re: Ukrainian Armed Forces / Zbroyni Syly Ukrayiny Mar 2 Jan 2024 - 21:25
Bien que la Lituanie ait ouvert un centre de maintenance pour les chars ukrainiens Leopard 2A6 et Strv 122, le processus de remise en service après des dommages avance trop lentement en raison du manque de pièces de rechange. https://t.co/Baf1Lhs7Cd
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Sujet: Re: Ukrainian Armed Forces / Zbroyni Syly Ukrayiny Mar 2 Jan 2024 - 21:56
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JAN 2
Ukrainian border guards receive new Polish-supplied ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft guns
The units of the State Border Service were reinforced with new ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft guns, Militarnyi reports. The DPSU said that the anti-aircraft guns are used to combat Russian barrage ammunition and other air targets. "The anti-aircraft guns will also be used to work on Russian DRGs, to destroy enemy personnel and equipment, including armored ones," the DPSU said.
ZU-23-2 of Ukrainian border guards in January 2024 (Picture source: screenshot from a DPSU video)
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Sujet: Re: Ukrainian Armed Forces / Zbroyni Syly Ukrayiny Mer 3 Jan 2024 - 19:09
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JAN 3
Isuzu D-Max pickup trucks to be assembled in Cherkasy for Ukrainian army
According to Militarnyi, Ukraine has outlined its plans to commence the assembly of Isuzu D-Max pickup trucks for its armed forces in 2024. This information was confirmed by Oleksandr Dorosh, the chairman of the supervisory board of the Ataman enterprise.
Ukrainian military Isuzu D-Max pick-up truck (Picture source: cdn2.riastatic.com)
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Sujet: Re: Ukrainian Armed Forces / Zbroyni Syly Ukrayiny Jeu 4 Jan 2024 - 21:42
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JAN 4
Ukrainian Artillery Units are now equipped with 16 Slovak Zuzana 2 155mm Howitzers
Assisted by the Slovak Government, the Ukrainian army is now equipped with 16 units of the Zuzana 2, a 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzer. In a significant disclosure made during a summit in July 2023, Slovakia's President Zuzana Čaputová, alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, announced the signing of a deal. This agreement involves the transfer of 16 Zuzana 2 155mm 8x8 self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine, symbolizing a pivotal advancement in the defense collaboration between Slovakia and Ukraine.
A Slovak-donated Zuzana 2 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzer of the Ukrainian army. (Picture source Social Network)
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Sujet: Re: Ukrainian Armed Forces / Zbroyni Syly Ukrayiny Jeu 4 Jan 2024 - 22:02
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JAN 4
Belgium to send two F-16B two-seater fighter jets to Denmark for Ukrainian pilots and ground personnel training
Belgium is set to dispatch two F-16B two-seater aircraft to Denmark between March and September 2024. Their mission is to actively participate in the training of Ukrainian pilots on these highly anticipated aircraft, eagerly awaited by Kyiv. This collaborative training initiative is an integral part of the "F-16 coalition," which consists of thirteen nations led by Denmark, the Netherlands, and the United States. The primary objective is to equip the Ukrainian Air Force with single- and two-seater F-16 fighter-bombers manufactured in the 1980s and 1990s. The ultimate goal is to empower capable personnel to effectively employ these aircraft in countering the Russian invasion.
In addition to offering F-16s to Ukraine, Belgium will continue its efforts to train Ukrainian pilots and take care of the maintenance of the entire F-16 fleet of the coalition, which will involve military personnel and private companies (Picture source: Alain HENRY de FRAHAN)
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Sujet: Re: Ukrainian Armed Forces / Zbroyni Syly Ukrayiny Jeu 4 Jan 2024 - 22:07
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JAN 4
Germany Delivers First Skynex Air Defense System to Ukraine
Berlin, Germany, January 4, 2024 – The German Ministry of Defense has confirmed the delivery of the first Skynex air defense system to Ukraine, along with necessary ammunition. This development comes after the initial announcement made on December 10, 2022, by Rheinmetall, a German defense company, regarding the order of two Skynex mobile air defense weapon systems for Ukraine.
The Skynex air defense includes a 35mm revolver automatic cannon. (Picture source Rheinmetall)
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Sujet: Re: Ukrainian Armed Forces / Zbroyni Syly Ukrayiny Sam 6 Jan 2024 - 19:32
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JAN 5
Germany sends Marder 1A3 IFVs to equip two Ukrainian battalions
On 4 January 2024, Germany announced a new aid package for Ukraine, including 10 new Marder 1A3 infantry fighting vehicles. This brings the total number of Marder 1A3 sent by Germany to 90, enough to equip two entire Ukrainian mechanized battalions.
German Marder 1A3 IFV Infantry Fighting Vehicle (Picture source: Army Recognition)
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Sujet: Re: Ukrainian Armed Forces / Zbroyni Syly Ukrayiny Sam 6 Jan 2024 - 19:38
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JAN 5
Ukraine Hits Russian Targets with Locally-Made Vilkha-M Rocket Launcher Surpassing US HIMARS in Range
Recent images on social media reveal the Ukrainian army's deployment of their latest locally-made Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS), the Vilkha-M. This addition significantly surpasses the capabilities of the GMLRS (Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System) rockets used in the M142 HIMARS, a system supplied by the United States. The Vilkha-M is notable for its extended range of 130 km and increased payload capacity, substantially enhancing the capabilities beyond the M142 HIMARS, which has a maximum range of 70 km.
Archive Image: Firing test with the Ukrainian-made Vilkha MLRS Multiple Launch Rocket System. (Picture source Ukrainian MoD)
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Sujet: Re: Ukrainian Armed Forces / Zbroyni Syly Ukrayiny Sam 6 Jan 2024 - 19:43
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JAN 5
UGV Unmanned Ground Vehicle D-21-11 tested by Ukrainian army
A UGV designated D-21-11 developed for the Ukrainian army is currently being tested, the Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, Mykhailo Fedorov, announced, echoed by Militarnyi. This system was created as part of the Brave1 defense technology cluster.
The remotely-controlled D-11 turret, armed with a machine gun, has already passed successful tests and has received positive feedback from the military in January 2024 (Picture source: Mykhailo Fedorov)