French Bastion vehicles planned for Ukraine to receive another country
Illustrative photo (Photo: Freepik)
France has decided to transfer a batch of Bastion armored vehicles to Armenia. Initially, they were planned to be transferred to Ukraine, according to Ouest-France.
The news agency states that Armenia fears the superior firepower of Azerbaijan, so Yerevan has requested military support from France.
French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna stated in early October that Paris had agreed to supply military equipment to Armenia.
France has consented to future contracts with Armenia, allowing the supply of military equipment to strengthen its defense.
On October 22 and 23, Armenian Defense Minister Suren Papikyan visited Paris and met with his French counterpart, Sebastien Lecornu. During the visit, agreements on bilateral cooperation were signed.
How many armored vehicles will Armenia receive
It is reported that the first confirmed delivery involves light armored vehicles of the Bastion type. This armored vehicle can carry a combat group of eight soldiers, providing protection against small arms fire and mines.
This concerns a batch of 50 armored vehicles. They were supposed to pass through the Georgian port of Poti and then be transported by rail to Armenia.
Why were they not transferred to Ukraine
Ouest-France reports that these 12.5-ton vehicles were initially intended for Ukraine.
However, in Kyiv, they are considered poorly protected against artillery fire and anti-tank missiles.
Bastion
The French multi-purpose armored vehicle produced by Acmat is also classified as an armored personnel carrier. Bastion has been supplied to Africa, the Middle East, and North America.
In January, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone conversation with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron. At that time, it was reported that an agreement had been reached for the supply of Bastion armored vehicles to Kyiv.
