Following the news that new military assistance packages are the first to include western-made Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs);

James Marques, Associate Aerospace, Defense and Security Analyst at GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, offers his view:

“The US Bradley, German Marder and French AMX vehicles pledged over the last two days are a significant departure from the practice of sending only Soviet-type IFVs. Whilst Ukraine’s ultimate goal in materiel aid likely remains fully fledged Main Battle Tanks (MBTs), these new deliveries will be cause for optimism and a valued addition to the Ukrainian military. They will provide enhanced firepower against Russian armor, and crucially protect infantry from ever-present artillery which is essential to enabling future manoeuvres to break the current stalemate.

“Using such a wide array of systems from all over the Western coalition carries logistical difficulties, but Ukrainians have proven adaptable and fast learners, as the added delivery of Sea Sparrow missiles proves. The weapons were originally intended for naval use but are being adapted for land deployment aboard Soviet-era launchers. These weapons are valuable elements for a larger air defense network, able to intercept aircraft or cruise missiles at low altitudes and short range should other systems fail.

“As we have seen over the course of the war, milestones in aid, such as these new vehicles, often pave the way for further deliveries of more powerful capabilities at scale. As Russia continues to falter, Western officials may sense an opportunity for Ukraine to seize further initiative in the coming months – a palpable goal that may have ended their hesitation to send such weapons. GlobalData projects the value of the land vehicles market to grow at a rate of 4.1% to $27.6 billion by 2032.”