France to transfer Aster 30 missiles for SAMP/T air defense systems to Ukraine

France has announced the preparation of a new military aid package for Ukraine. It will include hundreds of armored vehicles and Aster anti-aircraft missiles for SAMP/T air defense systems.

This was stated by French Defense Minister Sébastien Le Coronneu, Le Monde reports. He added that the armored vehicles will be transferred from the French army's warehouses, which are going to be replaced with new ones.

"To hold such a large front line, the Ukrainian army needs, for example, our armored frontline vehicles: it is absolutely necessary for the mobility of troops. This old equipment, which is still serviceable, will be of direct benefit to Ukraine in significant quantities. We are talking about hundreds of them in 2024 and early 2025," Le Coronneu noted.

In particular, we are talking about VAB armored personnel carriers, which are "more than 40 years old." The French army has begun to replace them with new-generation Griffon armored vehicles.

In addition, the minister emphasized France's intention to help Ukraine strengthen its air defense against the backdrop of Russia's massive strikes. Currently, the country is preparing a new batch of Aster 30 anti-aircraft missiles for SAMP/T air defense systems.

He also said that France is working on the development of remote-controlled ammunition, which could appear in Ukraine as early as the summer of 2024. The work, according to the official, is being carried out "in a very short time."

Earlier, France announced that it would transfer decommissioned weapons to Ukraine. According to the French government, the equipment, which is in working order but needs to be replaced with new ones, can be useful on the battlefield in Ukraine.

At the same time, the French Defense Minister responded to critics of the decision to supply Ukraine with decommissioned equipment from the French army's warehouses, noting that it would not affect France's defense capabilities.

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!