The US military has thousands of such vehicles, which would potentially give the Ukrainians more firepower. Even if the shipment of these TOMAs goes ahead, however, it will not satisfy Kyiv’s pressing demand for main battle tanks.
US President Joe Biden said on Wednesday that the possibility of sending Bradley Fighting Vehicles, tracked armored combat vehicles (TOMA) to the Ukrainian armed forces, is being considered to counter the invasion of the Russian army that began on February 24, 2022.
“Yes,” Mr. Biden replied monotonously when asked if that option was being considered.
The type’s armored vehicle, equipped with TOW missiles and a 25 mm machine gun capable of firing up to 300 rounds per minute, has been used since the 1980s to transport troops to battlefields and if necessary to destroy enemy tanks at ranges up to 4,000 meters.
The US military has thousands of such vehicles, which would potentially give the Ukrainians more firepower. Even if the shipment of these TOMAs goes ahead, however, it will not satisfy Kyiv’s pressing demand for main battle tanks.
It is unclear how many Bradleys are intended for the Ukrainian military. Washington is preparing a new equipment package for Kyiv, which is expected to be announced within days.
The US military intends to retire the fleet of these TOMAs and processes are underway with the defense industry for the system that will replace it, as part of its modernization.
The US government has sent $21.3 billion worth of weapons and other military hardware to Ukraine, where the largest war on European soil since 1945 continues to rage and tens of thousands have died.
The US military is sending increasingly advanced weapons systems to the Ukrainian. In December, it promised to send a Patriot air defense system. However, the training of personnel to operate the sophisticated system, its supply and maintenance remain to be arranged.
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With a wealth of experience honed over 4+ years in journalism, I bring a seasoned voice to the world of news. Currently, I work as a freelance writer and editor, always seeking new opportunities to tell compelling stories in the field of world news.
