France begins training Ukrainian Anna of Kyiv Brigade, pledges equipment support

France has begun training 2,300 Ukrainian soldiers for the newly formed Anna of Kyiv Brigade, marking a significant expansion of its military support for Ukraine. The comprehensive training program is taking place in the Grand-Est region of eastern France, as announced by French President Emmanuel Macron, Militarnyi reports.

France has been among Ukraine’s strongest supporters in the EU, supplying weapons such as Caesar self-propelled guns and Scalp cruise missiles. The military aid of Ukraine’s allies includes training courses for the Ukrainian soldiers, both under the EU and national programs.

Macron stated,

“I made this commitment: our military is now training 2,300 Ukrainian soldiers in Grand-Est, with the equipment they will use during missions.”

He emphasized that the brigade will be trained and equipped thanks to French solidarity.

The X account of the Chief of Staff of the French Army published an infographic, showing that the training program covers a wide range of military skills, including:

• infantry combat,
• armored warfare using AMX-10RC (French “wheeled light tanks”),
• engineering operations involving sappers,
• air defense with Mistral missiles,
• anti-tank combat using Milan missiles,
• drone operations,
• sniper training,
• the use of CAESAR artillery systems.

Additionally, VAB armored personnel carriers are being used for infantry transportation.

As of 15 September 2024, France has already trained nearly 15,000 Ukrainian service members through this program. The country has also been training Ukrainian pilots on Alphajet aircraft since March, preparing them for a potential transition to F-16 or Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets.

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