153rd Mechanized Brigade (Ukraine)
| 153rd Separate Mechanized Brigade | |
|---|---|
| 153 окрема механізована бригада | |
 Shoulder sleeve insignia[1] | |
| Active | October 2023[2][3] - present |
| Country |  Ukraine |
| Branch |  Ukrainian Ground Forces |
| Type | Mechanized infantry |
| Size | Brigade |
| Part of | Operational Command North |
| Motto(s) | The Power of the Unconquered |
| Engagements | |
| Website | Official Facebook page |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Unknown |
The 153rd Mechanized Brigade (Ukrainian: 153 окрема механізована бригада, romanized: 153 okrema mekhanizovana bryhada)[1] is a formation of the Ukrainian Ground Forces.[2] The brigade was announced alongside the 151st, 152nd, 154th, and 155th Mechanized Brigade's in October 2023.[2][3]
History
Formation
The brigade was announced in mid October 2023, alongside the creation of five new mechanized brigades as part of the Ukrainian Ground Forces.[4] By at least 17 October 2023, it was confirmed by allegedly several sources that the brigade was in the process of formation.[3]
On 27 December 2023, information on the creation of the 153rd Mechanized Brigade was publicised - with the unit receiving its insignia, a sleeve emblem, and a slogan. The core of the brigade was reportedly Nazariya Kishak's machine gun ppplatoon]] from the 72nd Mechanized Brigade - named after the Black Zaporozhians.[4]
The brigade is reportedly drawing its cadre of experienced officers and non-commissioned officers from existing brigades that are already serving on the frontline in Ukraine. It is also expected to fill out the rest of its ranks, approximately 2,000 placements, with new recruits. The unit is expected to participate in combat actions in the following year, as well as the anticipated Ukrainian counteroffensive in 2024.[2] As well as their potential participation in the upcoming Ukrainian counteroffensive in the following year, it was reported that the 153rd Mechanized Brigade could potentially strengthen Ukrainian defenses across the frontline - predominantly in eastern Ukraine to ensure the relief and rotation for depleted units deployed there.[3]
In an article by Forbes, it is unclear where the brigade will acquire its equipment and vehicles that would consider itself as a mechanized brigade - rather than a light infantry brigade.[3] It was also mentioned that the brigade was expected to most probably not rceive any modern fighting vehicles from foreign aid - such as KTO Rosomak "Wolverine's" from Poland. Instead, it was reported that the unit would most probably have to make do with old, vulnerable, and plentinful vehicles stockpiled in the Ukrainian Armed Force's arsenal - comprised of BMPs or MT-LB armored tractors and trucks.[2]
Russo-Ukrainian War
2022 Russian invasion
The 153rd Mechanized Brigade was reported to be formed in anticipation for a potential Ukrainian counteroffensive in 2024, as well as to bolster Ukrainian defenses in eastern Ukraine to relieve depleted units deployed there.[2][3] It currently has not seen any combat action.
The command of the Ground Forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, allegedly presented the new 153rd Mechanized Brigade as a subordinate to the Northern Operational Command.[4]
See also
References
- ^ a b "153 окрема механізована бригада". Facebook. December 25, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f "Ukraine Is Forming Five New Mechanized Brigades. Now They Need Vehicles". Forbes. December 7, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f "Українська армія формує нові бригади". republic.com.ua. October 24, 2023.
- ^ a b c ""Ксена-воїн кличе": в ЗСУ з'явилася нова бригада, що відомо (фото, відео)". focus.ua. December 30, 2023.