Guardian angel: Ukrainians ride to war as the first M1117 vehicles arrive in theatre

Footage has surfaced showing the Ukrainian armed forces using the American-made M1117 Guardian Armoured Security Vehicle for the first time.

The video, reportedly made by members of the 425th Separate Assault Battalion, nicknamed "Skala" or "Rock" in English, shows the vehicle being driven over rough ground with soldiers hanging onto its side and sitting over the driving compartment.

The video illustrates the first time these US-supplied vehicles have been used by the armed forces of Ukraine.

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Ukrainian Guardians are expected to be armed with a 40mm Mk19 automatic grenade launcher paired with a 12.7mm Browning M2HB heavy machine gun.

The vehicle will protect troops during transportation and is capable of crossing uneven ground at rapid speed.

It is the latest example of a Western vehicle being used by the Ukrainian armed forces in their struggle against the Russian invasion.

The vehicle has been delivered to the Ukrainian from the United States as part of its latest military aid package, worth up to $400m (£236m).

The package for Additional Security Assistance included funding to refurbish 250 M1117 Armored Security Vehicles and the US also sent 45 T-72B Tanks and armoured riverboats.