30 Irish Army Vehicles Deployed as Ambulances on Ukrainian Frontlines

Thirty Irish army vehicles are now deployed on the Ukrainian frontlines, serving as ambulances and transporting supplies.

Commandant Niall Buckley and his Transport Crew undertook a 3,600 kilometers journey from Ireland to the Polish border to deliver aid to Ukraine under Operation Carousel, according to The Journal.

Commandant Buckley, a Dubliner with over 30 years of military service, began as a non-commissioned officer and now oversees the maintenance of 2,000 Defence Forces vehicles. In an interview with The Journal, Buckley expressed pride that ex-Irish military vehicles are now actively supporting Ukrainian operations on the frontlines.

“I’m delighted to see those vehicles being used in the war to be honest with you,” Buckley said. “We used those vehicles every day here and when you look at it, they are out there now and the trucks, Ford Rangers, ambulances are doing what they should be doing. No matter how trivial it is, like bringing blankets to the front in winter or rations or transporting an injured soldier – it will be worth it. 

Buckley described the positive reception from Ukrainian soldiers during their operation's conclusion.

“They were really, really appreciative. They saw the vehicles, and like we aren’t giving what other countries are giving but they really enthusiastic about the Irish vehicles. We showed them the ambulances and they immediately began asking how to operate the ramps. We showed them the Ford Rangers and they told us they will be used to bring at least three injured soldiers back from the front.”

This effort is part of broader Irish support, which includes supplying demining equipment, providing medical training, and offering dynamic tactical instruction to Ukrainian infantry troops. Irish troops have reportedly been training non-commissioned Ukrainian officers in combat techniques, who then return to their units to instruct their fellow soldiers.

The training program is based on a streamlined 35-day course developed by the British military. Speculation in European security circles suggests that Ireland may increase its involvement in training and supplying Ukrainian forces as the war continues.