Ukraine is forming new brigades
Amid the threat of a new large-scale Russian offensive, the pace of mobilization in Ukraine is gaining momentum. The Ground Forces of Ukraine have started forming new mechanized, tank and artillery brigades to reinforce its combat capabilities. According to the rumors, new brigades are also being formed in the structure of Air Assault troops and Marine Corps. It’s planned to mobilize about 30 000 Ukrainian citizens in January alone, which is a sharp increase compared to previous months.
The new brigades will be equipped primary, but not exclusively, with the Western vehicles such Abrams, Leopard 2 tanks and CV-90 infantry fighting vehicles. Most of the recruits are, or will be, trained abroad.
21st Mechanized Brigade is a brand-new mechanized brigade, currently at the stage of formation.
soldiers of 21st Mechanized Brigade receiving backpacks from volunteers
33rd Mechanized Brigade was formed in April 2016 as part of Ukrainian Reserve Corps, but was subsequently demobilized and de-facto remained only on paper. The brigade has been reactivated and is making its comeback. The unit received new insignia with a wolf, a symbol that reportedly characterizes 33rd Mechanized Brigade.
the insignia of 33rd Mechanized Brigade
47th Artillery Brigade is a new artillery brigade of Ukrainian forces, formed during the last months and currently deployed near the Russian border in Kharkiv Oblast.
the insignia of 47th Artillery Brigade
116th Mechanized Brigade is a completely new brigade of Ukrainian Ground Forces. The brigade is currently at the stage of formation, but volunteers are already seeking donations for the unit and reveled not only the existence, but also the unit number, A4722.
soldiers of 116th Mechanized Brigade receiving supplies from the volunteers
118th Mechanized Brigade is another completely new mechanized brigade at the stage of formation at this moment. There is currently no additional information available and given the possibility that some less familiar people can confuse 118th Mechanized Brigade and 118th Territorial Defense Brigade, we advise to wait for further confirmation.
The new tank, air assault and marine brigades have not yet officially received a number. We’ll keep an eye on these units and in case anything pops up, we’ll update the page.
Our community |
Mentioned Units |
Ukrainian National guards, border forces and Police are forming too their own brigades. Here is the prove in the link. From this form anyone can send application to join this brigade. (List is too)
https://storm.mvs.gov.ua/
Makes a lot of sense – 3 hvy mech brigades with Leopard/Challenger/Abrams and Bradley/CV90 with Stryker for lighter recon and maybe AA. I hope for a few more CV90 variants to beef up close support (such as the dual 120mm mortar carrier, we have enough in Sweden to send a couple of batteries), and some heavier AA (Gepard). Rotating some veterans off to form a cadre core
Why doesn’t Ukraine give priority to the supply of new western equipment to the experienced old troops?
Mostly because you would have to pull them off the front lines and probably send them to another country for training. Now you have a gap in the lines that you have to fill with new recruits using old equipment they are still not trained to operate.
Probably because piecemeal distribution of what amounts to 3-4 iron fist brigades amongst all existing brigades make the logistics worse, and is not much use when most of the systems require training to use well – as well as keep operative.
Make sure the existing units keep getting NLAW etc and ammo, and focus the new heavier weapons on breakthrough, not fire brigade, units. Just get them there!
The chevrons are horrible.
These are not approved ones, will change soon as were for 60-s brigades