France is preparing a new package of military aid for Ukraine. It will include hundreds of armored vehicles and Aster anti-aircraft missiles, according to the French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu.
He noted that the focus is on armored vehicles currently in France's inventory, but they are planning to replace them with newer ones.
"To hold such as extensive front line, the Ukrainian army needs for example our VAB vehicles: it's absolutely essential for troop mobility. This old equipment, still operational, will be able to directly benefit Ukraine in significant quantities. We can talk about hundreds of them for 2024 and early 2025," the minister said.
According to Lecornu, France also aims to assist in strengthening Ukraine's air defense, thus preparing a new batch of Aster 30 anti-aircraft missiles for the SAMP/T air defense system. These SAM systems are counterparts to the Patriot system.
The minister added that France is developing remotely controlled munitions. It is likely that they could be delivered to Ukraine as early as this summer.
France's assistance
It is worth noting that France is one of the leading countries in providing assistance to Ukraine. Paris has provided military and financial aid and supported EU sanctions against Russia.
In winter, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited France and signed a security guarantee agreement with President Emmanuel Macron.
Later, Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine would receive a new package of military assistance from France, including artillery shells, self-propelled artillery systems Caesar, and additional air defense reinforcement.