Belgium boosts Ukraine with €412 million in military aid, including artillery and Lynx vehicles

Belgian authorities have announced a new aid package for Ukraine, this time equipping the military with critically needed artillery shells and hundreds of LMV Lynx vehicles.

Belgian Defense Minister Ludivine Dedonder revealed the government's approval of an additional 412 million euros in aid to Ukraine. This contribution will elevate the total support to 575.7 million euros by 2024.

The forthcoming support bundle will encompass artillery shells, reconnaissance drones, LMV Lynx vehicles, and mine destroyers, born from a collaboration between Belgium and the Netherlands.

Although the specifics of the ammunition were not detailed, authorities indicated that it would constitute the bulk of the new aid package, sourced from Belgium's inventories and international procurements. Previously, Belgium supplied front-line forces with AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles and 105 mm caliber artillery shells for tanks, including Leopards and M-55S. This round of assistance may involve similar supplies, with speculation around the inclusion of 155 mm caliber shells, a standard in NATO armaments essential for operating howitzers like Polish Krabs, German PzH 2000, Slovak Zuzana 2, and French CAESARs.

The LMV Lynx vehicles, long-utilized by the Belgian army, are set to be replaced by more modern units but continue to serve as valuable support for Ukraine. Belgium has previously donated these vehicles, with plans now to dispatch around 300 LMV Lynx units to the front lines.

The Italy-produced LMV Lynx is a light tactical multipurpose vehicle, boasting a 4x4 drive and an engine capable of over 240 HP, reaching speeds up to 80 mph. Depending on the model, its weight can vary with different armor and equipment configurations, and it may be fitted with a gun station that accommodates either a 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm caliber machine gun.