Ukraine tests anti-tank missiles bought from US
Ukraine on 22 May carried out tests of the top of the range Javelin anti-tank missile it recently bought from the US to boost its arsenal against Russian-backed rebels.
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko posted video on Twitter showing a missile being fired and blowing up a target at a military testing ground.
Poroshenko said after the test, which he claimed boosted Ukraine’s military capabilities as it fights a long-running conflict with Russian-backed separatists in its east: ‘Finally the day has come. I’m sure that as of today the military capabilities of the Ukrainian armed forces... grew significantly.’
The Javelin missiles will only be used in defence when Ukrainian positions are attacked, he said.
The US in March 2018 formally approved the sale of 210 missiles and 37 launchers by contractors Raytheon and Lockheed Martin to Ukraine at a price of around $47 million.
Poroshenko on 22 May thanked US President Donald Trump, hailing the missile deal as a ‘symbol of cooperation with our American partners.’
The US and its Western allies back Ukraine in its struggle to reunite its country since 2014 when Russia annexed the Crimea peninsula and Russia-backed rebels seized two eastern industrial regions.
Washington had been cautious in the past about escalating the conflict by providing advanced ‘lethal’ weaponry to Kiev due to the risk of heightening tensions with Moscow.
But in December 2017 the US announced it would provide Ukraine with ‘enhanced defensive capabilities’ as the war in the east drags on, having claimed more than 10,000 lives since 2014.
In recent days, there has been increased fighting in eastern Ukraine, with at least four people killed on both sides and nine wounded on 21 May.
On 22 May, rebel authorities in the Donetsk region said that an explosive device went off in a passenger bus, killing one and wounding two.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Boxer lands another order as contracts and opportunities build momentum]()
Boxer lands another order as contracts and opportunities build momentum
As Germany prepares its €25 billion order under the Arminius framework – the biggest Boxer procurement to date – the platform could become an increasingly powerful contender in European competitions.
-
![Trans-European iMUGS2 uncrewed systems programme set for three-day exercise in 2028]()
Trans-European iMUGS2 uncrewed systems programme set for three-day exercise in 2028
The next stage of the Integrated Modular Unmanned Ground System (iMUGS) programme, dubbed iMUGS2, was launched in November 2025. Three major demonstrations are planned before the end of 2028.
-
![British Army Land Rover replacement plan inches forward]()
British Army Land Rover replacement plan inches forward
The UK Ministry of Defence has proposed a selection date of May 2027 for the Land Rover replacement requirement, with deliveries expected through to 2036. Next month’s DVD exhibition will be a key shop window for bidders.
-
![Snow patrol and access all areas: the Arctic all-terrain vehicles market grows]()
Snow patrol and access all areas: the Arctic all-terrain vehicles market grows
The procurement and planned procurement of articulated tracked all-terrain vehicles is being driven by a need to replace older platforms and an acknowledgement of a capability gap for Arctic regions.
-
![How joint ventures are expanding Rheinmetall's munitions portfolio (video)]()
How joint ventures are expanding Rheinmetall's munitions portfolio (video)
Roman Köhne, CEO of Rheinmetall's Weapon and Ammunition Division, discusses the company's announcements at Eurosatory 2026, including developments in defence technology, precision systems, industrial partnerships and future capability programmes.
-
![Push strengthens for a second JLTV supplier]()
Push strengthens for a second JLTV supplier
A move, launched in May, could lead to a second supplier for the US Marines Corps’ Joint Light Tactical Vehicle requirement. Meanwhile, Wisconsin elected representatives have been pushing for necessary funding to be included in the FY27 budget.
