Defence Online

Ukraine to receive RAF specialist firefighting vehicles

Land July 13, 2023

Ahead of 500 days of war, Ukraine’s fire and rescue services are to benefit from specialist firefighting equipment and training from the RAF.

The UK is providing 15 Rapid Intervention Vehicles and two Major Foam Vehicles to bolster Ukraine’s firefighting capability, primarily sourced from the Royal Air Force and Defence Fire and Rescue, with one provided by the Welsh Government.

The urgently needed equipment will help bolster Ukraine’s ability to respond to damage caused by Russia’s continued use of cruise missiles and one-way attack drones against Ukrainian infrastructure.

The specialist vehicles were delivered to RAF Wittering in Cambridgeshire, where training and preparations have been carried out before their onward movement to Ukraine.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “These specialist firefighting vehicles will boost Ukraine’s ability to protect its infrastructure from Russia’s campaign of missile and drone attacks and continue our support for Ukraine, for as long as it takes.”

In the last week, personnel from 5001 Squadron have inspected and prepared the vehicles to make sure they are ready to conduct their role. Once those preparations were complete, two Mechanical Transport Squadron loaded the vehicles ahead of their journey to a designated delivery point.

Defence Chief Fire Officer, Sim Nex, said: “The Defence Fire and Rescue family are extremely proud of the specialist support which we have been able to facilitate.

“We are confident that the equipment provided to date, and associated training, will directly enhance firefighting capability, as we consider further opportunities to support the Ukrainian Military Fire Service moving forward.”

This equipment is the latest in the UK’s programme of support for Ukraine, nearly 500 days after Russia launched its illegal, full-scale invasion. The UK committed £2.3 billion funding for military aid to Ukraine in 2022 and the Prime Minister has confirmed that this figure will be matched in 2023.

Image ©MOD Ukrainian personnel received training at RAF Wittering on the equipment

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Firefighting RAF RAF Wittering Ukraine

Post written by: Vicky Maggiani

Vicky has worked in media for over 20 years and has a wealth of experience in editing and creating copy for a variety of sectors.