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The 152nd Separate Mechanized Brigade (Ukrainian: 152 окрема механізована бригада, romanized: 152 okrema mekhanizovana bryhada) is a formation of the Ukrainian Ground Forces. The brigade was announced alongside the 150th, 151st, 153rd, and the 154th Mechanized Brigade's in October 2023.
152nd Separate Mechanized Brigade | |
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152 окрема механізована бригада | |
![]() Shoulder sleeve insignia | |
Active | October 2023 - present |
Country | ![]() |
Branch | ![]() |
Type | Mechanized infantry |
Size | Brigade |
Motto(s) | "There shall be no fear in us" |
Engagements | |
Website | Official Facebook page |
Commanders | |
Current commander | Unknown |
The 152nd Mechanized Brigade's insignia, and creation were officially publicized and revealed in December 2023 in anticipation for a potential Ukrainian counteroffensive in 2024. The unit has known to have been in full swing at least since November 2023, due to infantry training with small arms or other military exercises published on social media.[1][2]
History
editFormation
editThe brigade was announced in mid-October 2023, alongside the creation of five new mechanized brigades as part of the Ukrainian Ground Forces.[3] By at least 17 October 2023, it was reported by Republic.com.ua that currently nothing was known about the brigade but was very likely to exist.[4]
On 30 December 2023, information on the creation of the 152nd Mechanized Brigade was publicised. The brigade received its official insignia and motto, as well as a military unit number - A4948.[citation needed] According to several publications made on social media, the brigade is made up of predominantly newly mobilized soldiers[citation needed] and are training alongside experienced officers and non-commissioned officers pulled from existing units.[5] Whether the brigade was formed on the basis of some other already existing units, is currently unknown.[citation needed]
The brigade is reportedly drawing its cadre of experienced officers and non-commissioned officers from existing brigades that are already serving on the frontline in Ukraine. It is also expected to fill out the rest of its ranks, approximately 2,000 placements, with new recruits. The unit is expected to participate in combat actions in the following year, as well as the anticipated Ukrainian counteroffensive in 2024.[5] As well as their potential participation in the upcoming Ukrainian counteroffensive in the following year, it was reported that the 152nd Mechanized Brigade could strengthen Ukrainian defenses across the frontline - predominantly in eastern Ukraine to ensure the relief and rotation for depleted units deployed there.[4]
In an article by Forbes it is unclear where the brigade will acquire its equipment and vehicles that would consider itself as a mechanized brigade - rather than a light infantry brigade.[4] It was also mentioned that the brigade was expected to most probably not rceive any modern fighting vehicles from foreign aid - such as KTO Rosomak "Wolverine's" from Poland. Instead, it was reported that the unit would most probably have to make do with old, vulnerable, and plentinful vehicles stockpiled in the Ukrainian Armed Force's arsenal - composed of BMPs or MT-LB armored tractors and trucks.[5]
Russo-Ukrainian War
edit2022 Russian invasion
editThe 152nd Mechanized Brigade was reported to be formed in anticipation of a potential Ukrainian counteroffensive in 2024, as well as to bolster Ukrainian defenses in eastern Ukraine to relieve depleted units deployed there.[5][4] It currently has not seen any combat action.
Throughout November, and December 2023 - the 153rd Mechanized Brigade publicized photographs that confirmed that infantry training of the unit was in full swing; training recruits that were newly mobilised with the experienced officers and non-commissioned officers it has drawn from existing Ukrainian units.
The publications by the unit showcased several photographs of several Ukrainian servicemen in the brigade, undergoing small arms training with Kalashnikov rifles - indicating that this brigade has not yet received any significant small arms from foreign aid but rather relying on weapons and equipment already stockpiled in Ukraine's arsenal.[2] These photographs also have demonstrated the unit performing military exercises in the field.[1]
Structure
editAs of December 2023, the structure of the brigade is as follows:
- 153rd Separate Mechanized Brigade
- Brigade’s Headquarters
- 1st Mechanized Battalion
- 2nd Mechanized Battalion
- 3rd Mechanized Battalion
- Tank Battalion
- Reconnaissance Company
- Artillery Group
- Anti-Aircraft Defense Battalion
- Engineer Battalion
- Logistic Battalion
- Signal Company
- Maintenance Battalion
- Radar Company
- Medical Company
- Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defence Protection Company
References
edit- ^ a b "Отак ми крокуємо до нашої перемоги". Facebook. November 28, 2023.
- ^ a b "зброї". Facebook. December 2, 2023.
- ^ ""Ксена-воїн кличе": в ЗСУ з'явилася нова бригада, що відомо (фото, відео)". focus.ua. December 30, 2023.
- ^ a b c d "Українська армія формує нові бригади". republic.com.ua. October 24, 2023.
- ^ a b c d "Ukraine Is Forming Five New Mechanized Brigades. Now They Need Vehicles". Forbes. December 7, 2023.