5th Separate Heavy Mechanized Brigade

The 5th Separate Heavy Mechanized Brigade (5 OVMBr) is a military formation of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The brigade was created in 2016 as part of the Reserve Corps as a cadre formation under the name 5th Separate Tank Brigade. In 2023, after the full-scale invasion, it was deployed and underwent training in Germany. In late 2024, it was reorganized into a heavy mechanized brigade.

In late March – early April 2016, together with the 15th Mechanized Brigade, the 5th Tank Brigade took part in military exercises in Kherson Oblast. During the exercises, elements of the defense plan for Kherson Oblast were refined, taking into account the fact that the military-political leadership of the Russian Federation had, with high probability, not abandoned its intention to build a land corridor from Russian territory to occupied Crimea. The 5th Tank Brigade was to carry out missions in areas near the administrative border of Ukraine and the occupied peninsula.

In April 2017, brigade tactical exercises with live fire were conducted by the 5th OTBr in Chernihiv Oblast. During the day and night exercises, units practiced tactical and fire missions to engage the enemy in various types of combat. In addition to the brigade's own units, forces and equipment from units of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Special Operations Forces, Army Aviation, and the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine also took part in the exercises.

In August–September 2018, a 45-day combat coordination exercise for the 5th Tank Brigade of the Reserve Corps was conducted. At that time it was 90% staffed with second-line operational reserve servicemen. The brigade's personnel underwent appropriate professional training at training centers. In early September, the brigade's units conducted coordination exercises at the company (battery) level. On September 12, brigade-level exercises were held.

According to Forbes, the 5th Tank Brigade effectively did not exist until the autumn of 2023. By the end of 2023 it was training in Germany and received Slovenian M-55S tanks and German Leopard 1A5 tanks.

In late 2024, the 5th OTBr was reorganized into the 5th Separate Heavy Mechanized Brigade

Headquarters;
tank battalions;
mechanized battalions;
artillery battalion;
reconnaissance platoon;
technical support and rear units.

Main battle tanks (e.g., T-64, T-72, modernized models);
IFVs (infantry fighting vehicles);
self-propelled artillery;
anti-tank weapons;
communication and fire control equipment.
M60 AVLB
M-55S.
Leopard 1A5

The 5th Separate Heavy Mechanized Brigade preserves traditions of courage, discipline, and mutual respect among servicemen. The brigade's soldiers honor the memory of fallen comrades by taking part in memorial events. An important tradition is the celebration of Tank Crew Day, which emphasizes pride in service and team unity. The unit actively maintains ties with veterans and local communities. The brigade constantly develops its combat skills through training and drills. Personnel demonstrate a high level of professionalism and patriotism. These traditions help sustain fighting spirit and cohesion even under the difficult conditions of war.