Belgium pledges 300 Lynx combat vehicles and three minehunter vessels to Ukraine
Typical roles for the Lynx combat vehicle include reconnaissance, patrol, liaison, escort and utility. (Photo: Iveco DV)
Belgium has announced a €412 million ($450 million) military assistance package for Ukraine in the form of 300 Lynx Light Multirole Vehicle (LMV) and three minehunter ships.
The new military aid initiative, carried out together by Belgium and the Netherlands, has formed part of the BELEUX cooperation which has aimed to boost Ukraine’s military capabilities. Belgium will provide basic training, with the Netherlands offering on-the-job training, for Ukrainian crews for the minehunter vessels.
Iveco DV introduced the 4x4 LMV in 2001 to provide a vehicle with high levels of cross-country mobility and armour protection. It has continued to introduce improvements to its protection and mechanical components.
Typical roles for the vehicle include reconnaissance, patrol, liaison, escort and utility. More than 4,000 LMV1s have been sold to 15 different countries, including Italy which has ordered more than 2,000.
Brussels has pledged a total of €611 million in military aid to be provided to Ukraine throughout 2024. About half of the amount was said to have been allocated for additional artillery munitions.
EU Presidency-holder Belgium has also demonstrated its commitment to back Ukraine beyond its military needs, being part of the Ukraine Fund aimed at humanitarian aid and reconstruction of Ukraine’s hardest-hit regions.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Reconnaissance Drone (Ukraine Aid) [Belgium]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
HIMARS rising: sales, industrial cooperation and missile tests are driving the weapon forward
Australia's milestone Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System test and a wave of fresh contracts and production ramp-ups highlight the building momentum behind long-range strike systems globally, with HIMARS leading the way.
-
India’s drone industry ambitions accelerate with Xtend technology transfer deal
The localised production of interceptor and tactical drones further strengthens India-Israel industrial alignment and could position India for future cooperation opportunities.
-
Next-generation Franco-German tank under threat as France opts for interim solution
The French Army’s upgraded Leclerc main battle tank is expected to begin retiring before the end of the 2030s and the government is looking to adopt an interim solution ahead of a next-generation tank.