UK soldiers train Ukrainian forces on how to carry out effective beach raids. Photo, UK MoD.
Nearly 1,000 Ukrainian marines are gearing up to head home after an intensive training session by Royal Marine Commandos.
This six-month UK programme aimed to teach Ukraine’s forces the nuances of small boat amphibious operations, notably beach raids using inflatable boats.
Announced by the Prime Minister during President Zelenskyy’s UK visit in February, the programme marked the UK’s first amphibious training venture for Ukraine. The pinnacle of the training saw Ukrainian marines both planning and executing raids in varying conditions – both day and night
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace underscored the UK’s commitment, saying, “The UK has led the way in training the Armed Force of Ukraine, providing world-leading training in frontline combat skills to more than 20,000 of Ukraine’s Army recruits through Operation Interflex.”
Wallace further elaborated on the essence of the programme, stating that it will assist “Ukraine to build its own distinct marine force and expand its capability to operate in a maritime environment.”
In terms of specifics, around 900 Ukrainian marines completed this course. Their training spanned an array of military activities: utilising Next Generation Light Anti-Tank Weapons (NLAW), operating Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, using mortars, deploying drones for reconnaissance, and carrying out explosive demolitions of hindrances, including the Dragon’s Teeth anti-vehicle fortifications.
Significantly, the equipment leveraged in the training mirrors some of the military aid the UK has previously extended to Ukraine. This includes an impressive tally of over 10,000 anti-tank weapons, encompassing thousands of NLAW systems.
