118th Mechanized Brigade (Ukraine)
{{Short description|Ukrainian Ground Forces unit}}
{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name = 118th Mechanized Brigade
| native_name = {{lang|uk|118-та окрема механізована бригада}}
| image = 118th Mechanized Brigade.png
| image_size = 200
| caption = Shoulder Sleeve Insignia
| dates = February 15, 2023 – Today
| country = {{flagcountry|Ukraine}}
| branch = {{army|Ukraine}}
| type =
| role = Mechanized Infantry
| command_structure = 10th Operational Corps
| garrison =
| motto = We’ll do it
| battles = Russo-Ukrainian War
| website = [https://www.facebook.com/118ombr Official Facebook page]
| commander1 = Roman Zabrodskyi
}}
The 118th Mechanized Brigade ({{Langx|uk|118-та окрема механізована бригада}}) is a brigade of the Ukrainian Ground Forces formed in 2023.{{Cite web |title=118th Separate Mechanized Brigade : Mechanized Brigades |url=https://www.armedconflicts.com/118th-Separate-Mechanized-Brigade-t263846 |access-date=2023-03-25 |website=Armedconflicts.com |language=en}}
History
The unit was created for the Ukrainian summer offensive in Zaporizhzhia Oblast in 2023 and is part of 10th Army Corps. At least part of the brigade was trained by NATO forces in Romania.{{Cite web |title=З метою підтримки наших мужніх та незламних ЗСУ! |url=https://shp-gromada.gov.ua/news/1676048514/ |access-date=2023-03-25 |website=shp-gromada.gov.ua |language=uk}} In lead up to the counteroffensive the Brigade would be equipped with M109A6 155mm self-propelled howitzers.{{Cite web |last=office_zzam |date=2023-05-03 |title=US delivers M109A6 155mm self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine's 118th M |url=https://armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/2023/us-delivers-m109a6-155mm-self-propelled-howitzers-to-ukraine-s-118th-mechanized-brigade |access-date=2025-03-01 |website=armyrecognition.com |language=en-gb}}
The 118th Mechanized Brigade has helped to develop new drone technology. In October 2024 in the southern area of the Zaporizhzhia Oblast droner operators successfully tested a new quadcopter on advancing Russian soldiers.{{Cite web |last=Axe |first=David |title=Ukrainian Army Spotted A Lone Russian & Tested A Deadly Drone On Him |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2024/10/11/the-ukrainian-army-spotted-a-lone-russian-soldier-out-in-the-open-and-then-tested-a-deadly-new-drone-on-him/ |access-date=2025-03-01 |website=Forbes |language=en}}
In December 2024, battalion and company commanders of 118th Separate Mechanized Brigade met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss training and use of drones of mobilzed soldiers.{{Cite news |title=In the Zaporizhzhia Region, the President Discussed Changes in Training for Mobilized Soldiers and Drone Supply with Battalion and Company Commanders — Official website of the President of Ukraine |url=https://www.president.gov.ua/en/news/na-zaporizhzhi-prezident-obgovoriv-iz-komandirami-bataljoniv-94981 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241221091531/https://www.president.gov.ua/en/news/na-zaporizhzhi-prezident-obgovoriv-iz-komandirami-bataljoniv-94981 |archive-date=2024-12-21 |access-date=2025-03-01 |work=Official website of the President of Ukraine |language=en}}{{Cite web |author=Staff reports |date=2024-12-13 |title=Zelenskyy visits city of Zaporizhzhia near front line in Ukraine war |url=https://rv-times.com/2024/12/13/zelenskyy-visits-city-of-zaporizhzhia-near-front-line-in-ukraine-war/ |access-date=2025-03-01 |website=rv-times |language=en}}
Structure
As of 2024 the brigade's structure is as follows:
- 118th Separate Mechanized Brigade,
- Headquarters & Headquarters Company
- 24x24px 5th Rifle Battalion
- 1st Mechanized Battalion
- 2nd Mechanized Battalion
- 3rd Mechanized Battalion
- Tank Battalion
- Artillery Group
- Anti-Aircraft Defense Battalion
- Reconnaissance Company
- Engineer Battalion
- Logistic Battalion
- Maintenance Battalion
- Signal Company
- Radar Company
- Medical Company
- Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Protection Company
References
{{Authority control}}{{Ukrainian Ground Forces}}
Category:Military units and formations of Ukraine in the Russian invasion of Ukraine
Category:Mechanized brigades of Ukraine
Category:Military units and formations established in 2023
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