The Belgian company is already prepared to deliver ten upgraded M113 armored vehicles to Ukraine.
Source: Force Operations Blog.
Belgium is ready to supply M113 armored vehicles to Ukraine
The Belgian company is already prepared to deliver ten modernized M113 armored vehicles to Ukraine. The first batch of 10 M113 armored vehicles, modernized by John Cockerill Defense (JCD), will be able to head to Ukraine as part of an initiative funded by Belgium, the Netherlands, and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, according to the statement.
It is noted that the Belgian company is exploring other possibilities for further support to the Ukrainian army. By the end of November, 40 military transport vehicles M113 will be refurbished under a contract received from the Ministry of Defense of Belgium. The vehicles, which will be involved in combat against Russian occupiers, are to be equipped with remote-controlled weapon systems and components for mounting 7.62mm or 12.7mm caliber machine guns.
The first ones were handed over to the Belgian army at the end of August, which is responsible for their transfer to Ukraine.
What is known about the transfer of armored vehicles to Ukraine from three EU countries
In July, the Minister of Defense of the Netherlands, Kajsa Ollongren, stated that Ukraine would receive a shipment of M113 armored vehicles from three European countries in the near future. The Minister noted that this armored tracked vehicle, among other things, helps safely transport soldiers.
“That’s how we support infantry on the ground,” added Ollongren. The Minister of Defense of the Netherlands also explained that these deliveries would be made in cooperation with Belgium and Luxembourg. At that time, the Ministry of Defense of the Netherlands reported that the M113 vehicles would be equipped with a remote-controlled weapon system. Machine guns can also be installed on the vehicles.