4th Tank Brigade (Ukraine)

The 4th Tank Brigade is an armored formation of the Ukrainian Ground Forces.[1]

4th Tank Brigade
4-та окрема танкова бригада
Shoulder sleeve patch
ActiveDecember 6, 2017 - Today
Country Ukraine
Branch Ground Forces
TypeArmoured Forces
Part ofOperational Command North
Garrison/HQHoncharivske, Chernihiv Oblast
PatronIvan Vyhovsky
Motto(s)Rage Controls Our Weapons!
Engagements
Commanders
Current
commander
Oleh Chernov

History

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The 4th Tank Brigade was established in late 2017 with the purpose of serving as a reserve unit to the 1st and 17th Tank Brigades within the Ukrainian Armed Forces.[2] It was equipped with T-64 and T-72 tanks.[1] The brigade underwent training and preparation for combat, including a final stage of combat readiness at Honcharivske training base, the home of the 1st Tank Brigade, in July 2018.[3]

During the Russo-Ukrainian War in 2019, the 4th Brigade was sent to the Joint Forces Operation Zone to support the 72nd Mechanized and 36th Marines brigades.[2] The brigade was equipped with T-72 and BMP-2 IFVs, and various artillery pieces.[4] In October of that year, the brigade participated in a joint exercise that involved crossing a river, supported by attack helicopters, and attacking suspected enemy positions.[5]

When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the 4th Tank Brigade was deployed to help defend the northeastern part of the country.[5] The brigade played a significant role in the battle of Kharkiv and subsequent Eastern Ukraine offensive.[3] It was initially deployed in the area of Sloviansk-Kramatorsk as a reserve unit and later stationed south of Izium.[5]

On February 24, 2023, which marked the one-year anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine, Poland handed over the first four out of 14 Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks to the 4th Tank Brigade.[4]

The brigade took part in the 2023 Ukrainian counteroffensive where many of the brigade's tanks were damaged by Russian drones and mines.[6][7]

Structure

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As of 2023 the brigade's structure is as follows:[4]

 
Leopard 2, February 2023.
  • 4th Tank Brigade
  • Brigade Headquarters and HQ Company
    • 1st Tank Battalion
    • 2nd Tank Battalion
    • 3rd Tank Battalion
    • 4th Tank Battalion
    • Mechanized Infantry Battalion
    • Field Artillery Regiment
      • HQ and HQ Battery
      • Anti-Tank Battalion
    • Anti-Aircraft Missile Defense Battalion
    • Reconnaissance Company
    • Combat Engineer Battalion
    • Logistic Battalion
    • Maintenance Battalion
    • Signal Company
    • Radar Company
    • Medical Company
    • CBRN Protection Company
    • MP Platoon
    • Brigade Band

References

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  1. ^ a b David Axe (18 April 2022). "Ukraine Has Mobilized Its Tank Reserves. They're Already On The Attack". Forbes. Retrieved 18 May 2022.
  2. ^ a b Chao-Fong, Léonie; Chao-Fong (now), Léonie; Gerts (earlier), Mark (2023-02-25). "Russia-Ukraine war live: Zelenskiy adviser dismisses China's peace plan and warns 'window of opportunity' closing". the Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2023-02-25.
  3. ^ a b Axe, David. "Truck Shortages, Point-Blank Tank Battles, Dueling Artillery. These 12 Stories Are Snapshots Of The Ukraine War's First Year". Forbes. Retrieved 2023-02-25.
  4. ^ a b c Altman, Howard (2023-02-24). "First Leopard 2 Tanks Arrive In Ukraine". The Drive. Retrieved 2023-02-25.
  5. ^ a b c Axe, David. "Beaten Twice In Ukraine, Russia's Elite 1st Guards Tank Army Is Poised To Attack Yet Again". Forbes. Retrieved 2023-02-25.
  6. ^ Lyubysh-Kirdey, Ivan (2023-11-21). "Ukraine's tank repairmen deal with damage inflicted by Russian drones, artillery and mines". Reuters.
  7. ^ Axe, David. "Ukraine's 4th Tank Brigade Has A Frankenstein's Monster T-72 That Mixes And Matches Parts From Three Tanks". Forbes. Retrieved 2024-08-27.