Netherlands To Provide Additional YPR-765 Armored Vehicles to Ukraine
Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren announced during the 22nd online meeting of the Ukrainian Defense Contact Group (UDCG, also known as the Ramstein Group) on May 20, that the Dutch government will provide Kyiv with additional YPR-765 armored vehicles “in the near future.” According to the Dutch Ministry of Defence, the new aid was prepared at the request of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The YPR-765 is an infantry fighting vehicle developed by the Dutch company DAF and based on the design of the M113 A1 AIFV, which began production by the US-based FMC Corporation in 1961. 207 of these vehicles, which entered service with the Royal Netherlands Army in 1977 and were decommissioned many years ago, have been delivered to Ukraine to date. While it has been determined that the vehicles delivered to Ukraine thus far include the basic version equipped with a 12.7mm machine gun and the PRI version armed with the 25mm Oerlikon KBA-B02 autocannon, the exact number and type of new vehicles to be supplied is unknown.
During the meeting, Minister of Defense Kajsa Ollongren stated that it is critical to continue to support Ukraine and that their struggle is also the Netherlands’ struggle, adding, “These types of armored vehicles are essential for Ukraine. They are agile, can move troops quickly, and can be deployed in exploratory, offensive, and defensive roles. The remotely controlled armament offers the shooter extra safety.”
Ollongren also stated that recent efforts for Ukraine will bear fruit in the coming months, and it is critical that all countries continue to contribute to the collective efforts.
In addition to YPR-765 armored vehicles, the Netherlands has provided Ukraine with military assistance totaling €2.81 billion since the start of the conflict. This support includes T-72 tanks, Leopard tanks, Fennek reconnaissance vehicles, Viking tracked vehicles, PzH2000 howitzers, Patriot launch system, MR-2 mobile anti-aircraft guns, small arms, Bofors 40/L70 40mm anti-aircraft guns, VERA-NG systems, Stinger MANPADS, and F-16 aircraft. This military assistance includes various ammunition, guns, and missiles for use in the aforementioned systems, as well as other critical components required by Ukraine, such as individual weapons, sensors, bridges, ships, field hospitals, spare parts, supplies, and medical products.
Furthermore, the Netherlands provides Ukrainian military personnel with specialized training in areas such as driving and sailing, medical training, mine clearance, and unmanned aerial vehicle operation.