1st Tank Brigade (Ukraine)

The Brigade is a unit of the Armed Forces of Ukraine that was formed in 1997 from the 292nd Tank Regiment.[1] In 2014, the brigade was deployed to the border with Russia in the Sumy region to protect the route to Kyiv.[2] One battalion was also sent to support mechanized brigades in the Luhansk region, mainly around the Luhansk Airport.[3] In 2015, the brigade supported the 30th Mechanized Brigade in Debaltseve, where they destroyed at least three enemy tanks.[4]

At the onset of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, the brigade dispersed in anticipation of the imminent bombardment.[5] Following the bombardment, the unit returned to Chernihiv to respond to Russian vanguard forces.[3] Russian forces attempted to take the city, but were repelled.[4] However, they eventually bypassed the city, resulting in the Siege of Chernihiv.[6] Despite encirclement, the brigade maintained one supply route for communications and resupply.[4] By 31 March 2022, the brigade had successfully defended the city against Russian attacks and the siege was lifted. Surviving elements of the Russian 41st CAA retreated north to Belarus.[2]

The brigade recaptured surrounding Ukrainian towns and the M01 Highway connecting to Kyiv.[7] Following rest and refit in May, elements of the brigade were deployed back to the battle of Donbas in the area of southern Donetsk and Kramatorsk.[8] For its service in Chernihiv, the southern counteroffensive, and the Donbas region, the unit was awarded the recently established honorary award of "For Courage and Bravery" by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.[9] The president also stated that in six months, more than a thousand warriors of this brigade were awarded state awards.[1]

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

• 1st Tank Brigade Severia, Honcharivske, Chernihiv Oblast
  • Headquarters & Headquarters Company
  • 1st Tank Battalion
  • 2nd Tank Battalion
  • 3rd Tank Battalion
  • 4th Tank Battalion
  • 1st Mechanized Battalion
  • 1st Rifle Battalion
  • 2nd Rifle Battalion
  • Artillery Group
  • Anti-Aircraft Defense Battalion
  • Reconnaissance Company
  • Engineer Battalion
  • Logistic Battalion
  • Maintenance Battalion
  • Signal Company
  • Radar Company
  • Medical Company
  • CBRN Protection Company.
  • UAV Strike Company Pegas.