30,000 Ukrainian Recruits Trained by UK Armed Forces
Over 30,000 Ukrainian armed forces personnel have been trained on UK soil as part of the biggest training programme of its kind since 1945. Known as Operation Interflex, the UK-led multinational training programme has ahead of schedule trained more then 30,000 recruits since it was launched on the 9 July, 2022. A total of 52,000 Ukrainians have received training from the British armed forces since 2014. The earlier Operation Orbital, which had been in place since 2015, was succeeded by the current programme.
Along with the UK, training has also been conducted by foreign instructors from Canada, New Zealand, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Lithuania, the Netherlands and Australia. Who have given key training in various areas such as crewing rocket systems and Challenger 2 tanks. The program expanded when support to Ukraine was widened during with the Royal Air Force starting to train Ukrainian fighter pilots in February 2022. Royal Marines Commandos have provided amphibious operations training and there has even been non-combatant training, with support being given by British Army chaplains to their Ukrainian counterparts.
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said this about the ongoing operation:
‘Op Interflex’s size and ambition is unrivalled, the programme is a key example of how the UK can help galvanise the international community into supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine…I’m delighted we will exceed the target for this year and thank the UK trainers and our international partners who have worked night and day to reach the milestone ahead of schedule. I also pay tribute to the determination and resilience of the brave Ukrainian recruits that arrive on British shores’
Major General Oleskii Taran, the Head of the Main Department of Doctrine and Training of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine commented on Interflex’s effect on the armed forced of Ukraine added:
‘We notice the greater fighting capacity of the servicemen and women of the Armed Forces of Ukraine who successfully completed the Interflex training course, their resilience and ability to engage hard with the enemy under bombardment. They have warfare and basic weapon handling skills, are trained to conduct combat operations in trenches and urban areas, have basic military medical training according to international protocols, and are knowledgeable about the Law of Armed Conflict. This is undoubtedly an impressive contribution of Great Britain and partner countries in Ukraine’s fight against the unprovoked and criminal Russian aggression.’
As well as Operation Interflex the UK government has provided £4.6 billion in military support to Ukraine since the start of the conflict in 2022.