Australia to expand Ukraine training operation

Australia will extend and expand its commitment to the training of recruits from the Armed Forces of Ukraine as part of Operation Kudu, throughout 2024.

FILE PHOTO (October 2023): An Australian soldier deployed to the UK on Operation Kudu supervises the training of Armed Forces of Ukraine personnel. Photo by Lieutenant Commander Ryan Zerbe.

Since January, Australian soldiers have helped to train more than 1200 recruits as part of the UK-led and based multinational training mission to support Ukraine’s national defence.

The most recent rotation of approximately 70 Australian Defence Force instructors returned to Darwin from the United Kingdom this week.

Over the next 12 months, the number of deployed ADF members will increase to 90 personnel per rotation, with Australia’s role expanded to include a junior leadership training program, focusing on areas such as foundation warfighting skills including urban and trench warfare, combat first aid, explosive hazard awareness and marksmanship.

More than 30,000 Ukrainians have trained to become soldiers since June 2022 as part of the wider UK-led and -based training program supported by personnel from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Lithuania, the Netherlands and, most recently, Romania.

Minister for Defence Richard Marles said Australia was proud to expand its support for Operation Kudu, a mission that cements international solidarity for Ukraine.

“Our growing commitment to the multinational training mission affirms our pledge to provide meaningful and relevant support to the government and people of Ukraine,” Mr Marles said.

Australia has committed approximately $910 million in overall assistance to Ukraine including $730 million in military support.

 

 

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