France will supply Ukraine with “hundreds” of old but “still functional” armored vehicles and Aster missiles as part of a new aid package for Kiev in its war against Russia, Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu said. News.ro.
“In order to maintain such a large front line, the Ukrainian army needs, for example, our armored vehicles (VAB): it is absolutely necessary for the mobility of troops,” Sébastien Lecornu explained in an interview with La Tribune published on Saturday evening.
“This old equipment, which is still working, will directly benefit Ukraine in large quantities. We are talking about several hundred for 2024 and the beginning of 2025,” he added.
France is replacing aging VAB armored personnel carriers
The famous VAB armored personnel carriers, which are more than 40 years old, are replacing the new generation Griffon armored personnel carriers in the French army.
Responding to Kiev’s pressing requests to strengthen its air defense capabilities, Paris will also launch a “new batch of Aster 30 missiles” for the SAMP/T MAMBA system, the equivalent of the American Patriot. “We are also developing very quickly guided ammunition, which will be delivered to Ukrainians this summer,” the minister added.
Sébastien Lecornu said on Tuesday that he would not rule out resorting to requisitions or forcing manufacturers to prioritize military requirements over civilian ones to speed up production.
Paris has called on the French defense industry to produce more and faster to meet the needs of its military and ensure long-term support for Ukraine.
“The European rocket manufacturer MBDA owes us fast deliveries. On Friday, decrees were issued regarding the policing powers of the Secretary of the Armed Forces over stock commitments, contract prioritization and even requisitions,” he insisted on Saturday.
“We have asked the French Defense Procurement Agency (DGA) to submit proposals for the implementation of these measures to accelerate the production of the Aster missile,” he said. ammunition”.
France needs missiles to fight Houthi rebels
The minister also said that in addition to Ukraine, France needs the missiles to fight the attacks of the Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. In November, Iran-backed Houthi rebels launched a campaign of drone and missile strikes against shipping in the Red Sea, a key region of global trade.
“As far as exports are concerned, we have also noticed that French industry has lost a number of contracts in Eastern European countries. Now, to sell weapons for export, you have to understand technology, prices and diplomacy well, but from now on you also have to understand delivery times,” said Sébastien Lecornu.
Source: Hot News
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