Ukrainian Armed Forces to receive YPR armored vehicles with remote-controlled combat modules

Defense Express reported the information.

During a regular meeting of the Contact Group on Ukraine's Defense, Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren announced that, at the request of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Netherlands would soon supply the Ukrainian Defense Forces with YPR armored vehicles.

While the specific number and types of units to be delivered are unknown, the Dutch Ministry of Defense emphasized the urgency of their supply. Additionally, these vehicles will be equipped with remote-controlled weapon systems (RCWS).

Ollongren highlighted the importance of these vehicles for Ukraine, noting their maneuverability and their capability to quickly deliver troops and be used for reconnaissance, offensive, and defensive purposes. She added that “remote-controlled weapons will provide additional security for the shooter.”

The Dutch Ministry of Defense noted that, to date, a total of 207 YPRs of various types have been delivered to Ukraine. The YPR-765 armored vehicles were first observed in the Ukrainian Defense Forces in May 2022, with initial deliveries reported in April of the same year. These YPR armored vehicles are modifications of the American M113 armored personnel carrier, adapted for the Dutch armed forces.

Since February 2022, the Netherlands has been actively supplying Ukraine with weapons and military equipment as part of its defense assistance. The Netherlands is also a member of the “fighter jet coalition” and plans to provide the Ukrainian Air Force with F-16 multifunctional fighters.

At the end of last year, it was reported that the first batch of these aircraft was being prepared for delivery to Ukraine. In total, the Netherlands will provide 42 aircraft, which they are replacing with F-35s. Of these, 24 will be transferred to Ukraine, while another 18 will go to the F-16 training center in Romania, where Ukrainian pilots will be trained.