128th Brigade Converted into Heavy Mechanized Brigade

The 128th TRO Brigade, originally formed in 2022 as a Territorial Defense unit within the Ukrainian Territorial Defense Forces, has completed its reformation. In July 2024, MilitaryLand reported that the brigade was being reassigned to the Ground Forces, and by March 2025, it became known that the unit was undergoing reformation and had received a new insignia, as we previously reported. This unit should not be confused with the 128th Mountain Assault Brigade, which remains unchanged.

While it was expected that the brigade would be transformed into a standard mechanized unit, there has been a surprising development: the 128th Territorial Defense Brigade has now become the 128th Heavy Mechanized Brigade. This change provides the 17th Army Corps, to which the brigade belongs, with a dedicated heavy mechanized formation. Current plans indicate that each corps will include such a heavy mechanized brigade.

This reformation also confirms that the 128th Brigade is structurally integrated into the 17th Army Corps, rather than being temporarily assigned under its command.

The unit’s structure has not yet been updated on our site, as we are awaiting further information regarding the conversion of its battalions. At present, the brigade commands five separate Territorial Defense battalions, which are expected to be reorganized into two mechanized battalions, two rifle battalions, and one motorized battalion.