Óglaigh na hÉireann, the Irish Defence Forces, has launched an operation to donate 30 non-lethal military vehicles to aid Ukraine in the ongoing war against Russia.
The first of four convoys of Irish ambulances and recovery and transport vehicles arrived in Poland on Friday, June 14 ahead of their donation to Ukraine, Ireland's Department of Defence said on Friday.
Led by the Defence Forces Transport Corps, Operation Carousel will facilitate the safe movement of 30 Defence Forces’ vehicles to the International Donor Coordination Cell in Rzeszów, Poland as part of Ireland’s European Peace Facility contribution.
The operation of 54 personnel will see the vehicles moved over four convoys which will arrive in Poland over the next month.
The donation is part of Ireland’s non-lethal aid to the Ukrainian Armed Forces following Russia’s full invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Speaking ahead of the convoy’s arrival, Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Micheál Martin said: “Ireland remains steadfast in support for the people of Ukraine following the illegal and immoral invasion by Russia and we will continue to provide what support we can as Ukraine defends itself against ongoing aggression.
"The donation of these ambulances and transport vehicles is a practical and concrete measure to show that support and is fully consistent with our position of providing non-lethal aid.”
Operation Carousel, carried out by the Defence Forces Transport Corps, will facilitate the safe and secure movement of thirty ex- Defence Forces’ vehicles to the International Donor Coordination Cell in Rzeszów, Poland, as part of Ireland’s European Peace Facility contribution.… pic.twitter.com/xLJeVdLOTZ
— Óglaigh na hÉireann (@defenceforces) June 14, 2024
The Department of Defence noted that the planned donation consists of 20 Ford Rangers, four Scania 8X8 DROPs, three Iveco 8X8 DROPs, an Iveco 8X8 Recovery Vehicle, and two Mercedes Sprinter Ambulances.
The donation is the largest of Irish equipment since Russia launched the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
According to The Irish Times, the Irish Defence Forces will not enter Ukraine as part of the operation.
Most of the vehicles had already been earmarked for replacement with more modern versions as part of the Defence Forces' revitalization plan, according to the Irish Times. The plan will see a 50% increase in military spending by 2028.
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