Armée ukrainienne - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. History: The Ukrainian Armed Forces were officially established on December 6, 1991, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. However, Ukraine has a long history of military service dating back to ancient times.
- 2. Structure: The Ukrainian Armed Forces are divided into three main branches: the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force. Additionally, there are several specialized units such as the Special Operations Forces and the National Guard.
- 3. Size: As of 2021, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have approximately 250,000 active-duty personnel, making it one of the largest military forces in Europe.
- 4. Equipment: The Ukrainian Armed Forces have a mix of domestic and foreign-made equipment. This includes tanks, artillery, aircraft, and naval vessels. However, much of the equipment is outdated and in need of modernization.
- 5. Training: Ukrainian military personnel undergo rigorous training to prepare them for combat situations. Training includes marksmanship, tactical maneuvers, and physical fitness.
- 6. Operations: The Ukrainian Armed Forces have been involved in various operations, including the ongoing conflict in Eastern Ukraine against Russian-backed separatists. They have also participated in peacekeeping missions in Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
- 7. NATO cooperation: Ukraine has a partnership with NATO and participates in various military exercises and training programs with the alliance. There have been discussions about Ukraine eventually joining NATO, although this is a contentious issue.
- 8. Defense budget: The Ukrainian government has been increasing its defense budget in recent years to modernize its military and improve its capabilities. The budget for 2021 was around $5.2 billion.
- 9. Women in the military: Women have been serving in the Ukrainian Armed Forces for many years and are eligible for all roles, including combat positions. Women currently make up around 10% of the military personnel.
- 10. Challenges: The Ukrainian Armed Forces face several challenges, including corruption, lack of modern equipment, and ongoing conflict in Eastern Ukraine. The military is working to address these issues and improve its capabilities through reforms and modernization efforts.