New Zealand to Train Ukrainian Troops on L119 Howitzer

New Zealand’s prime minister Jacinda Ardern has announced that a further 30 New Zealand Defence Force personnel will deploy to the U.K. until the end of July to help train tens of Ukrainian soldiers on the L119 towed 105mm light howitzer.

Defence Minister Peeni Henare this week noted his participation in the Ukraine Contact Group — a gathering of about 44 nations to coordinate aid to help Ukraine defend itself from Russia’s invasion, which began Feb. 24.

At least 30 gun crews were expected to learn how to operate the gun, some of which New Zealand has been using since the 1980s.

The M119 is typically towed by the M1097 or M1152 High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV), and can also be easily airlifted by helicopter, or dropped by parachute. It has a range of about 10 miles.

Ukraine to receive anti-ship Harpoon Missiles from Denmark

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin told reporters on Monday that the Danish Armed Forces are sending long-range anti-ship missiles to Ukraine.

“I’m especially grateful to Denmark, which announced today that it will provide a Harpoon launcher and missiles to help Ukraine defend its coast,” Austin said following a meeting with an international coalition and Ukraine defense officials.

While Austin did not specify the type of Harpoon, the Danish military’s coastal anti-ship missile batteries field RGM-84L-4 Harpoon Block IIs that are capable of not only hitting ships at sea, but also targets in port and on land with an upgrade from the Boeing Advanced Harpoon Weapon Control System.