July 6th 2023.
The UK is set to bolster Ukraine's defence against Russia's relentless missile and drone attacks in the coming weeks. 17 specialist fire engines, sourced from the Royal Air Force, Defence Fire and Rescue and the Welsh Assembly, have been identified as Rapid Intervention and Major Foam Vehicles.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said the vehicles will help protect Ukraine's infrastructure and provide much-needed support. To ensure the Ukrainian military fire service is familiar with the equipment, a week-long training session was conducted at RAF Wittering.
The vehicles are currently being inspected and prepared for their onward journey to Ukraine. Upon arrival, they will help the country respond to any damage caused by Russia's cruise missiles and one-way attack drones.
Mr Wallace said: “These specialist firefighting vehicles will boost Ukraine’s ability to protect its infrastructure from Russia’s campaign of missile and drone attacks and continue our support for Ukraine, for as long as it takes.”
Defence Chief Fire Officer Sim Nex echoed the sentiment and added: “The Defence Fire and Rescue family are extremely proud of the specialist support which we have been able to facilitate. We are confident that the equipment provided to date, and associated training, will directly enhance firefighting capability, as we consider further opportunities to support the Ukrainian Military Fire Service moving forward.”
Air Commodore Jamie Thompson, commander of Global Enablement, concluded: “Support to Ukraine, through training and the provision of equipment, remains a priority of RAF Global Enablement. We are proud to work alongside our allies in this effort, supplying specialist equipment and training to assure the safety of the Ukrainian people.”
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