Media: Ukraine rejects Irish offer of decommissioned armoured vehicles

The Ukrainian government has rejected a donation from Ireland of 27 decommissioned armoured combat vehicles intended to support Kyiv’s fight against Russia, The Irish Times reports.

The Irish Government had offered its entire fleet of 27 Light Tactical Armoured Vehicles (LTAVs), which were acquired 17 years ago but saw limited use. The vehicles, manufactured by a South African company, had a poor operational reputation and were frequently reported to break down. They were withdrawn from service in 2024 and placed in storage.

Earlier this year, Ireland asked Ukraine whether it would accept the vehicles as part of an international military aid programme aimed at supporting Kyiv after Russia’s invasion in February 2022.

Ireland regularly provides Ukraine with military assistance, including unarmed vehicles, demining equipment, body armour, and training for Ukrainian forces under an EU programme. Under Ireland’s policy of military neutrality, such assistance is intended to be non-lethal.

However, the LTAVs are typically fitted with remote weapon stations capable of mounting machine guns or grenade launchers, raising questions about their classification under Irish policy.

Ukrainian authorities informed Ireland that the vehicles were not suitable for current operational use.

“The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine expressed its sincere gratitude to Ireland for the offer, as well as for Ireland’s continued support for Ukraine,” a Department of Defence spokesman said.

“However, it ultimately declined the offer on the basis that this type of vehicle is not currently in service with the Armed Forces of Ukraine and would therefore require separate training, maintenance and spare parts support.”

The department added that “any such offer would have been consistent with the Government’s policy of providing non-lethal support to Ukraine.”

The LTAVs, also known as RG32M Outriders, were purchased in 2009 from BAE Systems Land Systems South Africa for just under €20 million, or €726,000 each. Despite outperforming rival vehicles in initial tests, they suffered from persistent reliability issues.

Military users reported frequent breakdowns, including electrical faults and driveshaft failures, with some units rarely deployed on operations. One vehicle reportedly remained at base in Lebanon for 18 months without being used.

An Irish Defence Forces review has since agreed a program to replace the country’s armoured fleet with modern French-made vehicles.

By Vafa Guliyeva