U.S., Allies Outfit Ukraine With Armor Ahead of Russian Offensive

In an effort to quickly boost Ukraine’s forces in the face of a possible Russian offensive, the U.S. and allies around the globe are sending advanced air defenses, armored vehicles and billions in other weapons.

Thursday’s announcement of the latest round of American aid included a brigade’s worth armored vehicles. Stryker Vehicles were valued at $2.5 Billion after a $3 billion deal. Bradley Fighting Vehicles Jan. About 50 defense leaders from around 50 countries met at the meeting Ramstein Air Base Friday, May 5th in Germany to discuss aid and the future.

“Russia is regrouping, recruiting, and trying to re-equip,” According to transcripts of his speech, Lloyd Austin, Defense Secretary, spoke with Joint Chiefs Chairman, Gen. Mark Milley. “This is not a moment to slow down. It’s a time to dig deeper.”

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The 11-month-old conflict may be at a critical turning point. Intelligence points to Russia planning and working to rebuild its national military base. This would effectively put what President Vladimir Putin called a “special military operation” onto a true war footing.

Analysts think Putin is likely to launch a major offensive in order to turn the tide of war and reclaim territory from Ukraine that it lost in humiliating battlefield defeats in recent months.

Two counteroffensives to Russia were launched last fall by Ukraine. It was able, in the northeast, to reclaim territory around Kharkiv city from the Russians, push further into adjacent territory, and, in the south it reclaimed Kherson territory.

While the fighting continues to be intense, neither Russia nor Ukraine have made significant advances in the past weeks despite reports from Russia that they may have seized territory around Bakhmut. Bakhmut is a violently contested town in the Donbas region, where Russian separatists fight for years.

“I just think both sides have probably dug in on their defensive positions, which makes it hard for either side to make a breakthrough,” Colin Kahl, undersecretary of defense policy, spoke during a briefing at the Pentagon with reporters on Wednesday.

The U.S. spent billions on aid for Ukraine in the last two weeks to help them push through the lines, and shift the dynamic in their favor as Russia’s assault is imminent.

In the beginning, President Joe Biden’s administration pulled away National Guard Ukraine trained trainers, and started sending less advanced aid, such as Stinger antiaircraft missiles. Javelin After Russia’s invasion, anti-tank missiles were launched. U.S. officials repeatedly said they would not allow direct confrontation between American troops and Russian troops. There was initially concern that Ukraine providing advanced weapons could be considered a provocation.

As the fighting continued over the months, and Ukraine proved to be a worthy opponent of Russia, the American aid packages included more valuable and complex military equipment and weapons along with increased training by U.S. soldiers serving as Ukrainian forces.

These are some of the most recent shipments M777 howitzers High Mobility Artillery Rocket SystemsOr HIMARSThese rocket launchers can fire multiple rockets from a wheeled vehicle. In December, the U.S. made public its intention to send a Patriot air defense system.

These latest packages focus on armored vehicles. On Thursday, the U.S. made the announcement that it would send Strykers (90 with 20 mine rollers) to help protect against explosive ordnance.

The $3 billion in aid earlier this month included BradleysAccording to the Biden administration’s latest package, it contains 59 more anti-tank missiles (590 TOW anti-tank) and 295,000 rounds (25mm ammunition) in addition to the previous one. This week’s aid also includes Avenger air defense systems, and more munitions, for the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems or NASAMS sent earlier.

“So this is a very, very capable package. And if employed properly, it will enable them to be successful,” Austin spoke at a German press conference on Friday. “Now, we’re going to ensure that we’re doing everything necessary to ensure that they have the ability to employ it properly.”

There are signs that a Russian military offensive is on the horizon.

Russian defense ministry plans to restructure military forces. It was also confirmed this week by Russia that they plan to increase their ranks. call up 300,000 veterans from the military reserves.

Ukrainian intelligence officials claimed that Russia intends to double its military force to 2 million troops. This is an increase of 1.35million troops. “Russian military command is in ‘serious preparations’ for a potential second wave of mobilization,” The Jan. 15 assessment was prepared by the Institute for the Study of War. Putin signed November orders allowing conscription of convicts.

“There’s widespread anticipation among intelligence analysts that a new Russian offensive is being planned for later this winter or in the early spring,” Nicholas Lokker, a research assistant for Transatlantic Security Program at Center for a New American Security, a Washington, D.C. thinktank, said the following:

Lokker stated that the signs point to a shift in military leadership. Last week, Gen. Sergei Surovikin, reportedly nicknamed “General Armageddon,” Gen. Valery Gerasimov was appointed theater commander and became the chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces. He is also the country’s highest-ranking Military Leader.

“I think it’s clear that Western countries who have been providing support to Ukraine throughout the conflict are aware of this increasing urgency, and they need to make sure that they’re taking action now so that Ukraine is prepared,” Lokker said.

Wednesday’s statement by Kahl stated that armored vehicles would allow the Ukrainians break through the Russian lines. “fire-maneuver through the use of more mechanized forces.”

The Stryker is similar to the Bradley in that its main purpose is to support dismounted soldiers on the battlefield. There are almost a dozen variants of the Stryker from infantry transports to mortar carrier to anti-tank missile models. The eight-wheeled vehicle is part of the U.S. military arsenal for over 20 year and was originally designed as a lightweight, light armored vehicle in between the more heavy Bradley and the lightly protected Stryker. Humvee.

However, there are some limitations to this vehicle.

The Stryker is different from the Bradley. It is currently on its way to Ukraine with this package. However, it has wheels instead of tracks. This allows it to travel faster but not as agile on different surfaces.

Ceramic armor made of ceramic can withstand most heavy machine gun shots. Slat armor is often called a “slim armor”. “bird cage” This can be added on to the chassis to protect it against rocket-propelled weapons grenades. However, it does not provide the same organic protection as heavier vehicles like the Bradley.

Ukrainians have been asking for tanks. The U.K. has now agreed to send some Challenger 2 battle tanks. Poland also pledged tanks. All eyes were focused on Germany and the U.S. during this week’s anticipation of an American announcement. M1A2 Abrams tank and German Leopard 2 tank

“I think you may have heard the German minister of defense say earlier that they’ve not made a decision on the provision of Leopard tanks,” Austin stated the following when Austin was questioned. Kahl stated that the Abrams was not practical as it requires expertise and high upkeep. It also runs on a jet engine which guzzles fuel.

Both the U.S. as well as Germany have provided Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine. This week, the U.S. military began training Ukrainians in the Patriot air defense system. Fort Sill Oklahoma

The Pentagon has increased its training programs for Ukrainian forces. Last weekend, 500 to 600 troops were trained in combined arms maneuvers by the Grafenwoehr military base, Germany. This training includes instruction on how to use the Bradleys, armored vehicles and other weapons against the Russians.

Should the Russians launch an offensive against Ukraine, their training, hardware and weapons could be crucial. Lokker warned that Moscow could recover its losses if Ukraine is not ready. A well-prepared Ukraine could change the course of war and bring it closer to victory.

“We have a window of opportunity here, between now in the spring or whenever they commence their operation, their counteroffensive, and that’s not a long time,” Austin said. “And we have to pull together the right capabilities.”

— Travis Tritten can be reached at [email protected]. Follow Travis Tritten on Twitter @Travis_Tritten.

Drew F. Lawrence can reached at [email protected]. Follow him @df_lawrence.

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