France to transfer hundreds of VAB armoured vehicles and Aster 30 missiles for the SAMP/T surface-to-air missile system to Ukraine

France prepares new military aid package for Ukraine.

Here's What We Know

This was revealed by the Minister of Defence Sébastien Lecornu. The new aid package will include hundreds of armoured vehicles VAB, which are already in service with the Ukrainian army. The vehicles are planned to be transferred throughout 2024 and also at the beginning of 2025.

France will also send Ukraine a new batch of Aster 30 missiles for air defence. The AFU will use them with the SAMP/T surface-to-air missile system.

Flashback

The VAB (Vehicule de l'Avant Blinde) is a French front line armoured vehicle. It was developed by Renault and Saviem. Series production of the VAB began in 1976. In total, more than 5,000 vehicles were produced in different versions and modifications. VAB has versions with two and three axles. The armoured personnel carrier can accelerate up to 110 km/h. It has steel armour and is most often equipped with one machine gun. Such an APC can accommodate up to 11 people (crew + paratroopers). The vehicle is not afraid of mines. In case of an explosion, the APC rises slightly in the air and spreads the shock wave away from the vehicle. France has about 4,000 of these vehicles in service.

Aster is a family of surface-to-air missiles developed by a European consortium that includes Thales, MBDA and others. Aster missiles have been designed to intercept and destroy a full range of airborne threats from combat aircraft, UAVs and helicopters to cruise, anti-radar and even supersonic anti-ship missiles. The Aster missiles use the SAMP/T or PAAMS complex as launchers. The Aster 30 can engage targets up to 100 kilometres in range and 25 kilometres in altitude.

Source: Le Monde