A video published on February 20, 2024, by the “Ukrainian Front” on their social media account has revealed the deployment of ex-Belgian Armored Infantry Fighting Vehicles (AIFVs) within the Ukrainian armed forces. This revelation points to a new facet of military support that Ukraine is receiving amidst its ongoing conflict, though not through official government channels.
The footage underscores the absence of a formal agreement or public announcement regarding the delivery of such military hardware from Belgium to Ukraine. It suggests that these AIFVs may have been procured through private companies which acquired them as surplus from the Belgian army when these units were decommissioned.
This development follows previous instances where the Ukrainian military has been bolstered by stocks of combat vehicles previously owned by the Belgian army, including M109A4 155mm self-propelled tracked howitzers and Leopard 1A5 Main Battle Tanks. These acquisitions have been crucial for Ukraine as it seeks to enhance its defensive and offensive capabilities amidst the ongoing conflict.
The utilization of ex-Belgian AIFVs by the Ukrainian army highlights a growing trend of military support through non-traditional means, including the involvement of private companies in the procurement process. This approach allows for a more rapid response to urgent military needs, bypassing the slower governmental procurement processes and international military aid negotiations.