Belgium will send the first batch of M113 armored personnel carriers to Ukraine
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A batch of 10 M113 armored personnel carriers, modernized by the Belgian company John Cockerill Defense (JCD), will be sent from Belgium to Ukraine, reported TV channel RTBF.
According to the TV channel, in July, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg announced financial cooperation on the conversion of M113 tracked armored vehicles “from industrial stocks.” Before being sent to Ukraine, armored personnel carriers must be equipped with a remotely controlled weapon system and brackets for installing 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm machine guns. In total, it is planned to update and ship 40 of these machines.
JCD is also “exploring other opportunities to continue supporting the Ukrainian army,” for example, the transfer of 50 Leopard 1A5 tanks, previously in service with the Belgian army and stored in warehouses, RTBF clarifies.
On August 9 it became known that Germany also sent M113 armored personnel carriers to Ukraine. In addition, the tranche included two Patriot air defense missile launchers, about 30 Leopard tanks and other weapons. 50 medically equipped M113s also included in the package of military aid sent from the United States in 2022.
The M113 armored personnel carrier developed in the USA is considered the most popular armored personnel carrier in history. Serial production of the M113 began in 1960 and continued until 2007. During this time, 88,000 vehicles were produced.
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