The British government has stated that it will not transfer its Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs), currently awaiting disposal, to Ukraine.
The decision was justified by the vehicles’ “limited operational value” and the risk of overburdening the Ukrainian armed forces with increased logistical complexity.
+ F-16 of the U.S. Air Force Displayed with Capacity to Carry Up to 42 APKWS Missiles
In a written response to Labour MP Peter Lamb, who asked whether the surplus vehicles could be donated to support Ukraine’s defense against Russia, Defence Minister Luke Pollard explained that while a small number of units are scheduled for disposal, they would not justify the transfer.
“Providing such small numbers would only increase the diversity of Ukraine’s armored vehicle fleet, adding to their logistical and training burdens,” Pollard stated. “While a small number are scheduled for disposal, they will be selected based on maintainability and suitability for purpose.”
The Warrior IFV entered service in the late 1980s and has been widely used in British Army operations. However, its service life is coming to an end. In 2021, the government announced the cancellation of the planned upgrade program, opting instead to replace the Warrior with the new Boxer Mechanised Infantry Vehicle under the Future Soldier restructuring plan.
+ Video: Pantsir-S1 Shoots Down Enemy Drone at Kursk Border
The decision not to transfer the Warriors reflects growing concerns among Western allies about avoiding additional challenges for Ukraine in maintaining a diverse and complex armored fleet in the long term.
Source and images: UK Defence Journal | Wikimedia. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
