US-Promised M1117 Armored Vehicles Are Now in Service with Ukrainian Army.

On March 16, 2024, the Ukrainian armed forces showcased their newly acquired M1117 4x4 armored personnel carriers that were donated by the United States, signaling a significant boost in Ukraine's military capabilities amidst ongoing conflicts. The first batch of these M1117 armored vehicles has been deployed with the 425th Assault Battalion Skala, part of the Ukrainian Ground Forces.
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U.S. donated M1117 armored vehicles are now in service with the 425th Assault Battalion Skala of the Ukrainian army.  (Picture source Skala Batalion)

Images and videos circulating on various social media platforms, including the official TikTok account of the Skala battalion, depicted Ukrainian soldiers engaging in military drills utilizing the M1117 armored vehicles. This footage represents the first instance of the M1117's operational use by Ukrainian troops, a testament to the growing military cooperation between the United States and Ukraine.

On November 4, 2022, the U.S. Department of Defense announced an additional security assistance package for Ukraine, valued at approximately $400 million, under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI). This package included the provision of 250 refurbished M1117 ASVs (Armored Security Vehicles), aimed at enhancing the Ukrainian armed forces' mobility, protection, and overall operational capabilities.

Following the announcement, the Army Recognition editorial team reported on December 7, 2022, that the promised M1117 ASV 4x4 armored vehicles were en route to Ukraine, with transportation facilitated via railway through Romania. This strategic movement underscored the logistical efforts undertaken to ensure the timely and secure delivery of these critical assets to the Ukrainian military.

The M1117 Guardian, also known as the ASV (Armored Security Vehicle), is a 4x4 armored vehicle developed in the United States, drawing design inspiration from the V-100 and V-150 Commando series of armored cars. Textron Marine & Land Systems, an American defense contractor, manufactures this vehicle.

Responding to the U.S. Army's requirement for a light-wheeled vehicle that offers enhanced protection against mines, the M1117 was introduced into service in 2001 and has since been utilized by the U.S. military in various conflict zones, including Iraq and Afghanistan.

Featuring a three-part design, the M1117 accommodates the crew, which includes the driver and commander, at the forefront. A weapon station situated atop the middle of the vehicle and an engine compartment positioned at the back make up the rest of the vehicle's layout. It is equipped with an advanced armor system from IBD Deisenroth Engineering, a German firm known for its modular expandable armor packages. This includes ceramic composite applique armor for the exterior and a spall liner for the interior, offering robust protection against small arms fire, mine blasts, and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). The vehicle can transport up to eight infantry soldiers.

The M1117 is fitted with a one-man non-stabilized turret which is armed with a 40mm automatic grenade launcher (MK19 MOD 3) and a .50-caliber machine gun (M2/M48). This turret provides a full 360° rotation and can elevate up to 45°, allowing for versatile and effective firepower deployment.

The M1117 is an American-made 4x4 armored personnel carrier vehicle. (Picture source Army Recognition Group)

Defense News March 2024