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France Strengthens Ukraine’s Forces with Training and Equipment for New Anne of Kyiv Brigade.
On October 9, 2024, President Macron announced that France had made a significant advancement in supporting Ukraine's defense efforts by initiating a comprehensive training program for a new Ukrainian military brigade, named in honor of Anne of Kyiv, an 11th-century queen of France and daughter of Yaroslav the Wise, Grand Prince of Kyiv. This brigade, consisting of 2,300 soldiers, is undergoing intensive training in the Grand Est region of eastern France, using French military equipment that will later be transferred to Ukraine. President Emmanuel Macron affirmed this commitment, sharing footage of the training and underscoring France’s solidarity with Ukraine amid current challenges.
Ukrainian soldiers are trained in engineering operations, involving sappers to address battlefield obstacles, while air defense exercises employ Mistral missiles, a short-range defense system against aerial threats (Picture source: French MoD)
The training program for the “Anne of Kyiv” Brigade represents a major development, as France is the first country to train an entire Ukrainian brigade on its soil. This program aims to provide the brigade with comprehensive combat skills, tailored to various military roles and operations.
Infantry combat and armored maneuvers are conducted with the AMX-10RC, a French reconnaissance and fire-support vehicle, allowing soldiers to train in armored combat scenarios. Additionally, soldiers are trained in engineering operations, involving sappers to address battlefield obstacles, while air defense exercises employ Mistral missiles, a short-range defense system against aerial threats.
Anti-tank training includes the use of Milan-guided missiles, enabling Ukrainian forces to counter armored threats. Soldiers are also trained in the deployment of drones, providing advantages in reconnaissance and operations, as well as in precision shooting skills and the use of the CAESAR self-propelled artillery system, which offers long-range support with high accuracy in combat zones. VAB armored personnel carriers, integral to French mechanized units, are used to transport infantry, adding mobility and logistical support to the training program.
The Ukrainian Brigade named after Anne of Kyiv is being prepared in France with specific armament and equipment (Picture source: French MoD)
The training of the “Anne of Kyiv” Brigade is part of a broader framework, with France having already trained nearly 15,000 Ukrainian personnel by mid-September 2024. Since March, France has also been training Ukrainian pilots on Alphajet aircraft as a preparatory step for pilots expected to transition to F-16 or Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets.
The French government has committed to delivering Mirage 2000-5F jets to Ukraine by early 2025, enhancing Ukraine’s air capabilities. These jets will be upgraded prior to deployment to include air-to-ground combat features and advanced electronic warfare systems, preparing them for a range of operational challenges.
This training and equipment support highlight France’s sustained involvement in strengthening Ukraine's military readiness. The training of the “Anne of Kyiv” Brigade demonstrates France’s proactive role in equipping Ukrainian forces with the skills and capabilities required for modern combat operations, positioning Ukrainian soldiers to effectively counter various tactical scenarios. This initiative underscores the strategic partnership between France and Ukraine and reaffirms France’s ongoing commitment to supporting European security.