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Germany Delivers New Military Aid to Ukraine with Advanced Combat Vehicles & Engineer Tanks.
Berlin, Germany, October 3, 2023 – The German Ministry of Defense announced on October 2, 2023, the delivery of an array of new military equipment and armored vehicles. This comes as part of Germany's continued commitment to provide additional aid to Ukraine amidst the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region.
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Germany delivered more BV206, Biber, and Wisent 1 engineer tanks to Ukraine. (Picture source ArmyRecognition/Wikipedia)
The latest consignment includes 42 Bandvagn 206 (BV206) tracked all-terrain vehicles, up from the previous 28 that had been supplied. Additionally, the Ukrainian military will now have 12 bridge-laying tanks named Biber, an increment from the earlier 11. The delivery also comprises 10 WISENT 1 mine clearing tanks, marking an increase from the previous 8.
In the realm of communication, the German Ministry has sent 116 SatCom terminals, a significant jump from the earlier 17. The border protection capabilities of Ukraine have been further enhanced with the addition of 207 border protection vehicles, up from the previous 186.
Furthermore, the safety of the troops has been given priority with the provision of 60,600 safety glasses sourced from both the Bundeswehr and industry stocks, an increase from the 40,600 supplied earlier. Lastly, to ensure secure communication lines, 239 Crypto Phones have been added to the aid package.
This move by the German government underscores its commitment to ensuring stability in the region and supporting Ukraine in its defense endeavors.
Bandvagn 206 (BV206):
The Bandvagn 206 (Bv 206), which translates to "Tracked Vehicle 206" in English, is a Swedish-developed tracked articulated, all-terrain carrier. Manufactured by Hägglunds, which is now a part of BAE Systems AB, this vehicle was specifically designed for the Swedish Army. The Bv 206 is composed of two units, both of which have powered tracks. It boasts a carrying capacity of up to 17 individuals, with 6 seated in the front compartment and 11 in the rear. The unique design of the Bv 206 allows it to traverse challenging terrains, from snow-covered landscapes to bog-lands, especially in northern Sweden. Its low ground pressure ensures it can handle a variety of difficult conditions. Notably, the Bv 206 is fully amphibious, capable of reaching speeds of up to 4.7 kilometers per hour in water. Over 11,000 units have been produced, and they are currently in use in more than 37 countries globally.
Biber Bridge-Laying Tank:
The Biber bridge-laying tank is a specialized armored vehicle based on the Chassis of the Leopard 1 tank and is designed to deploy bridges across obstacles, such as rivers or trenches, to facilitate the movement of other military vehicles. While specific details about the Biber were not provided in the content, bridge-laying tanks, in general, play a crucial role in military operations by ensuring that troops and equipment can move seamlessly across challenging terrains. The Biber is equipped with a mechanism that allows it to carry, deploy, and retrieve a bridge without the need for external equipment or personnel.
WISENT 1 Mine Clearing Tank:
The WISENT 1 is a mine-clearing vehicle also based on the Leopard 1 tank chassis and is designed to detect and neutralize landmines and unexploded ordnance, ensuring safe passage for military forces in conflict zones. These vehicles are typically heavily armored to protect the crew from potential explosions and are equipped with specialized tools, such as flails or plows, to safely detonate or remove mines from the ground. The WISENT 1's primary function is to clear paths through minefields, making it an invaluable asset in areas where landmines pose a significant threat to military operations and civilian safety.
Defense News October 2023