150th Mechanized Brigade (Ukraine)
| 150th Separate Mechanized Brigade | |
|---|---|
| 150 окрема механізована бригада 150 okrema mekhanizovana bryhada | |
 Shoulder sleeve insignia | |
| Active | 10 October 2023[1][2] - present |
| Country |  Ukraine |
| Branch |  Ukrainian Ground Forces |
| Type | Mechanized infantry |
| Size | Brigade |
| Part of | Operational Command West[3] |
| Garrison/HQ | Volyn Oblast |
| Motto(s) | "Steel Infantry" |
| Engagements | |
| Website | Official Facebook page |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Unknown |
| Insignia | |
| Flag |  |
| Field Insignia |  |
The 150th Separate Mechanized Brigade (Ukrainian: 150 окрема механізована бригада, romanized: 150 okrema mekhanizovana bryhada), is a formation of the Ukrainian Ground Forces formed in 2023. It was part of the creation of four other brigades to expand the Ukrainian Ground Forces in response to the 2022 Russian Invasion of Ukraine and is expected to participate in a potential Ukrainian counteroffensive in 2024. The insignia, motto, and creation of the brigade were officially publicized and revealed in December 2023.[3]
History[edit]
Formation[edit]
The brigade was announced in mid-October 2023, alongside the creation of five new mechanized brigades as part of the Ukrainian Ground Forces - accounting for a five percent expansion of the Ground Forces.[4] By 17 October 2023, it was reported that the brigade had already received a military unit identification number, and was in the stage of formation.[5] It was reported by the brigade that the unit is trained in accordance with NATO standards and personal war experience.[6]
It was reported by Forbes that the brigades are drawing their cadres of experienced officers and non-commissioned officers from existing brigades, while filling out the rest of their positions with new mobilized recruits.[4] The brigade is also reportedly structured with the command and organisational core consisting of experienced servicemen with combat experience gained in eastern Ukraine in skirmishes with the Russian Armed Forces.[7] The brigade includes both military personnel who have recently started their career, alongside experienced soldiers.[7]
According to Forbes, it is unclear where the brigade will receive its equipment that makes them a mechanized brigade; rather than a glorified infantry or motorized brigade. It was noted that the new brigades may not receive new, modern vehicles such as Polish KTO Rosomak "Wolverine's" but will instead have to make do with old, vulnerable, and plentiful BMPs and other old-era Soviet equipment.[4]
Equipment[edit]
Small arms[edit]
The brigade is armed with a variety of small weapons, official publications by the brigade show that soldiers of the brigade primarily utilise older models of the Kalashnikov rifle series such as the AKM.[8][9] Very few publicised materials of the brigade show more modernised variants of these rifles such as the AK-74, being used in limited numbers.[10][11][12]
Vehicles[edit]
The brigade holds a number of vehicles in its arsenal. Similarly to other brigades such as the 154th Mechanized Brigade, the brigade has received older Soviet-era model tanks such as the T-64BV.[13] At least one T-64BV has been seen in service with the brigade, being self-published by the brigade on various platforms.[14] The brigade also has a small quantity of infantry fighting vehicles such as the BMP-2, with one being present amongst the brigade's inventory and in service.[15]
Russo-Ukrainian War[edit]
Russian invasion of Ukraine[edit]
The brigade was reported to be formed in anticipation of a potential Ukrainian counteroffensive in 2024, as well as to bolster Ukrainian defenses in eastern Ukraine to relieve depleted units deployed there.[2][7]
Structure[edit]
As of 23 January 2024, the brigade's structure is as follows:
- 150th Separate Mechanized Brigade
- Brigade’s Headquarters
- 1st Mechanized Battalion
- 2nd Mechanized Battalion
- 3rd Mechanized Battalion
- Tank Battalion
- Reconnaissance Company
- Artillery Group
- Anti-Aircraft Defense Battalion
- Engineer Battalion
- Logistic Battalion
- Signal Company
- Maintenance Battalion
- Radar Company
- Medical Company
- CBRN Protection Company
References[edit]
- ^ "Ukraine Is Forming Five New Mechanized Brigades. Now They Need Vehicles". Forbes. December 7, 2023.
- ^ a b "Українська армія формує нові бригади". republic.com.ua. October 24, 2023.
- ^ a b ""Ксена-воїн кличе": в ЗСУ з'явилася нова бригада, що відомо (фото, відео)". focus.ua. December 30, 2023.
- ^ a b c Axe, David (2023-12-07). "Ukraine Is Forming Five New Mechanized Brigades. Now They Need Vehicles". Forbes. Retrieved 2024-05-20.
- ^ "Українська армія формує нові бригади". Republic.com.ua (in Russian). 2023-10-24. Retrieved 2024-05-20.
- ^ "150 окрема механізована бригада отримала від волонтерів 15 підготовлених бусів, які рішенням командування бригади, передані до підрозділів аеророзвідки..." Facebook. Retrieved 2024-05-25.
- ^ a b c "Командир відділення". Lobby X (in Ukrainian). 2024-02-28. Retrieved 2024-05-20.
- ^ "Facebook". Facebook. Retrieved 2024-05-25.
- ^ "Facebook". Facebook. Retrieved 2024-05-25.
- ^ "Instagram". Instagram. 2024-03-08. Retrieved 2024-05-25.
- ^ "Instagram". Instagram. 2024-01-17. Retrieved 2024-05-25.
- ^ "Instagram". Instagram. 2024-01-23. Retrieved 2024-05-25.
- ^ Axe, David (2023-12-19). "Ukraine Is Rearming For 2024—With New Brigades And Very Old Tanks". Forbes. Retrieved 2024-05-20.
- ^ "Facebook". Facebook. Retrieved 2024-05-25.
- ^ "Facebook". Facebook. Retrieved 2024-05-25.