RAF to provide specialist firefighting vehicles and training to Ukraine's firefighters
The Royal Air Force and Defence Fire and Rescue are to provide 16 specialist firefighting vehicles to Ukraine's fire and rescue services.
The urgently needed equipment will help bolster Ukraine's ability to respond to damage caused by Russia's continued use of cruise missiles and one-way attack drones against Ukrainian infrastructure.
Speaking to Forces News, a Ukranian commander said: "They will save lives, they will save military infrastructure and they will bring us closer to our victory."
Nine Ukrainian military firefighters spent a week at RAF Wittering learning the specifics of the Rapid Intervention and Major Foam Vehicles, with the training designed and delivered by the RAF and Defence Fire and Rescue.
RAF Fire Fighter Trainer, Flight Lieutenant Charles Carpenter, said: "The Ukrainians, at the moment, have got static fire trucks, so if there are multiple scenes of fire, as there would be from a rocket attack, they've had to go to a single fire at a time.
"But the capability they will have moving forward is the flexibility to produce water and foam on the move, so they can tackle multiple fires at a time."
Some of the fire trucks are already en route to Ukraine, with the rest expected to arrive within the next few weeks.
Wing Commander Mark Concarr, Chief of Staff Support Force HQ, RAF Wittering, said: "To know what we're gifting and what they may get used for to help save lives, to help Ukraine, then for all of us, it's really special."
This equipment is the latest in the UK's programme of support for Ukraine, nearly 500 days after Russia launched its illegal, full-scale invasion.
In addition to those from the RAF, the Welsh Government is also donating one fire engine.
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