Ukrainian Forces Gear Up for Battle with US-Delivered Armored Vehicles

Ukrainian troops received a long-awaited boost this week with the arrival of the first M1117 Armored Security Vehicle (ASV).

The 425th Separate Assault Battalion Skala proudly displayed the Textron vehicle on their social media, showcasing a critical addition to their arsenal as the war with Russia grinds on.

This initial delivery comes as part of a larger $400 million US aid package announced last November 2022.

The package includes a total of 250 refurbished M1117s, offering much-needed armored protection for Ukrainian troops on the front lines.

Beyond the M1117s, the package also includes:

• 45 refurbished T-72B tanks
• An undisclosed number of refurbished HAWK air defense missiles
• 1,100 Phoenix Ghost drones
• 40 Armored Riverine Boats

Delivery Delays: A Hurdle Overcome

While the arrival of the first M1117 marks a positive step, initial concerns about delivery timelines have swirled.

The Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) relies on industry procurement for refurbished vehicles, which can lead to logistical delays.

According to a September 2023 briefing to US congressional defense committees, the refurbishment process for the decommissioned M1117s was initially expected to take another 18 months.

Fortunately, US officials have successfully pushed to accelerate this process, which has led to the swifter arrival of these crucial vehicles.

/1. What looks like the first appearance of the American M1117 in Ukraine, in the hands of 425th separate battalion “Skala”https://t.co/sl2EsR6Q2L pic.twitter.com/w2NrFfinnK

— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) March 16, 2024

M1117: A Closer Look

Developed in the 1990s and first deployed in ’99, the M1117 ASV is a 4×4 armored personnel carrier based on the Cadillac M706 Commando chassis.

Weighing in at 13.4 tons, the armored vehicle offers significant protection for its crew and passengers.

Firepower and Features:

• M2 Browning machine gun
• Mk 19 40mm automatic grenade launcher
• M240H machine gun (near gunner’s hatch)

The US military produced around 2,000 M1117s before phasing them out in favor of the Oshkosh M-ATV mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP).

However, the refurbished M1117s offer a significant upgrade in firepower and protection for Ukrainian forces facing a determined Russian adversary.

Military analysts predict the arrival of the M1117s will significantly boost Ukrainian troops’ morale.

The increased protection and firepower these vehicles offer will be invaluable as they continue to defend their territory.

Ukrainian forces have expressed their gratitude for the ongoing support from the United States and its allies.

The arrival of these vehicles signifies a growing US commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defense efforts.

With more M1117s expected to arrive in the coming months, Ukrainian troops will be better equipped to defend their territory and secure victory.