A soldier alongside a military vehicle. Source : Australian Department of Defence (Army)
A group of Australian troops will be deployed to the UK with the intention of training Ukrainian soldiers in the fight with Russia.
Up to 70 ADF personnel will depart from Darwin to join Operation Interflex, a British-led operation which seeks to train around 20,000 Ukrainian soldiers in 2023.
To prepare, selected ADF personnel have trained with AK-47 assault rifles, which is the Ukrainian army’s standard combat rifle.
The ADF said the training will be used to help Ukrainian soldiers with developing necessary skills for combat.
“The training conducted under this operation will generate additional capacity within the armed force of Ukraine and will focus on basic infantry tactics for urban and wooded environments.” They said.
The minister for defence personnel, Matt Keogh, said Australia is proud to support Ukraine in the fight with Russia.
“Our people are our greatest defence capability.” Mr Keogh said.
“That’s why it’s so important that our soldiers, alongside a number of partner nations, will provide essential skills to the armed forces of Ukraine, supporting Ukraine to end the conflict on its own terms.” He said.
“We are proud to support the brave people of Ukraine and their armed forces.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, Richard Marles, said Australia wants to help Ukraine respond to Russia’s forces with Operation KUDU, which is the Australian addition to Operation Interflex.
“The Australian Government is committed to standing with Ukraine, in response to Russia’s clear violation of the rules-based order.” Mr Marles said.
“Operation KUDU builds on Australia’s military support for Ukraine, with the previously gifted Australian-produced Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles proving their worth as highly valuable military vehicles.” He said.
Operation Interflex involves other countries, including New Zealand, Canada, Sweden, and Finland.
Under the program, Ukrainian soldiers have been traveling to the UK to be trained.
The Australian addition to Operation Interflex was announced in October 2022, where the government also announced they would provide 30 Bushmaster vehicles.
The Australian government, as of 2023, have provided Ukraine with the equivalent of $655m in support, with $475m of that being military assistance.
