France to Deliver Armoured Vehicles and Missiles to Ukraine in Fight Against Russia
In a significant move to support Ukraine in its war against Russia, France has announced plans to deliver hundreds of old armoured vehicles and new surface-to-air missiles to the Ukrainian army. French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu revealed this decision in an interview with La Tribune Dimanche on Sunday.
Following talks between President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Macron requested Lecornu to prepare a new aid package for Ukraine, which will include functional French equipment. Lecornu emphasized the importance of providing armoured vehicles to the Ukrainian army to defend the long front line effectively.
France is set to provide hundreds of VAB (Véhicule de l’Avant Blindé) front-line troop carriers in 2024 and early 2025. Additionally, a new batch of Aster 30 surface-to-air missiles for the SAMP/T system will also be released to Kyiv. The Aster 30 missiles have the capability to intercept warplanes, drones, and cruise missiles within a range of 120 km.
Lecornu highlighted the urgent need for better ground-air defense in Ukraine, especially with Russia intensifying its strikes on civilians and civil infrastructure. The French government is working to accelerate the production of Aster missiles to meet this demand.
Furthermore, France is expediting the development of remotely operated ammunition for delivery to Ukraine as early as this summer. Macron had previously suggested the possibility of European nations sending troops to Ukraine, indicating a united effort to support the country in its fight against Russian aggression.
The delivery of armoured vehicles and missiles from France underscores the international community’s commitment to standing with Ukraine in its struggle for sovereignty and territorial integrity.