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5th Tank Brigade (Ukraine)

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5th Tank Brigade
Ukrainian: 5-та окрема танкова бригада
5th Tank Brigade shoulder sleeve patch
Active2016 – 2022
2023 – present
Country Ukraine
BranchGround Forces
TypeArmoured Forces
RoleArmoured
SizeBrigade
Part ofOperational Command South[1]
Garrison/HQKryvyi Rih
EquipmentT-72[2][3] Leopard 1a5s
Engagements

The 5th Tank Brigade (Ukrainian: 5-та окрема танкова бригада) is a reserve armored formation of the Ukrainian Ground Forces.[5]

History

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Formation

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The brigade was formed in 2016, initially equipped with 30 T-72 tanks.[2][5] From late March to early April, the brigade took part in large scale exercises of Operational Command South, held in Kherson Oblast. The goal of the exercise was to improve elements of overall defense of the region. At the end of the exercise it was announced, that Brigade will be stationed close to border with occupied Crimea.[1]

2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine

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When on 24 February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine, the unit was deployed to the southwestern part of the country near Odesa.[2] As of May, it was still in the Odesa area.[6]

In February 2022, the brigade was re-created in Kryvyi Rih to reinforce Ukrainian defense. However, due to losses in other armored and mechanized brigades, tanks and manpower were used to replenish already existing units and the brigade ceased to exist again. David Axe writing for Forbes, suggested that Brigade was inactive in August 2022.[7][8] However, Brigade was mentioned by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in his 200 day of war speech on 11 September 2022.[9]

In March 2023, the brigade has been reactivated and is currently at the stage of formation. In July 2023, the unit received a new insignia and became a part of the 10th Army Corps. It then participated the 2023 Ukrainian counteroffensive.[4]

Structure

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As of 2023 the brigade's structure is as follows:[5][2]

Past commanders

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  • Coronel Melnyk

References

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  1. ^ a b Ольга Слюсар (4 April 2016). "Масштабні військові навчання відбулись на Херсонщині" [Large-scale military exercises took place in the Kherson region]. Українські національні новини (in Ukrainian). Archived from the original on 29 October 2016. Retrieved 28 October 2016.
  2. ^ a b c d "Slovenia Sending Tanks to Ukraine, Ukrainian Tank Brigades on the Roll". SOFRep.com. SOFREP. 23 April 2022. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  3. ^ David Axe (20 April 2022). "T-72s To The Rescue? Ukraine's 5th Tank Brigade Could Roll Into Battle Any Day Now". Forbes. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  4. ^ a b Axe, David. "Ukraine Has Formed A New Tank Brigade. And We Finally Know What Tanks It's Getting". Forbes.
  5. ^ a b c David Axe (18 April 2022). "Ukraine Has Mobilized Its Tank Reserves. They're Already On The Attack". Forbes. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  6. ^ David Axe (17 May 2022). "Watch The Ukrainian Army Form A New Brigade With Donated Tanks". Forbes. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  7. ^ David Axe (5 August 2022). "It Seems Ukraine Is Struggling To Form Tank Brigades". Forbes. Retrieved 5 February 2023.
  8. ^ David Axe (17 January 2023). "The Ukrainian Army Could Form Three New Heavy Brigades With All These Tanks And Fighting Vehicles It's Getting". Forbes. Retrieved 6 February 2023.
  9. ^ "I want to dedicate this address to those who have been bravely standing for 200 days, being the exact reason why Ukraine stands - President Volodymyr Zelenskyy". www.president.gov.ua. 11 September 2022. Retrieved 6 February 2023.
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