Explained: Inside Operation Interflex.
Operation Interflex is the UK led training programme for Ukrainian recruits, providing them with battlefield skills enabling them to defend their homeland against Russian aggression.
The training is for new volunteer recruits who have joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine with little to no previous military experience to teach them the skills required to survive and be effective in frontline combat.
Since the start of the training programme back in June of 2022, Operation INTERFLEX has trained over 10,000 recruits, which has been extended with an aim of training up to 20,000 in 2023.
The training course is delivered over a minimum of a five-week period and includes weapons handling, battlefield first aid, Law of Armed Conflict awareness, patrol tactics and rural environment training.
The UK-led training programme has been strengthened by the invaluable contributions from nine international partner forces who have joined the programme. These countries include:
- Canada
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Denmark
- Finland
- Sweden
- Lithuania
- The Netherlands
- Australia
The UK and international partner forces are working together to provide Ukrainian recruits with the skillsets needed to defend their sovereign territory and that the capabilities we provide them with will meet the tactical demands of the conflict as it evolves.
What other military aid has the UK provided Ukraine?
The UK has committed £2.3 billion in military aid to Ukraine, including:
- A squadron of 14 Challenger 2 tanks
- AS90 self propelled guns
- Armoured and protected vehicles, including Bulldog and CVR(T)
- Anti-tank missiles (including NLAW, Javelin, Brimstone and other anti-tank weapons)
- Multiple Launch Rocket Systems
- Stormer vehicles fitted with Starstreak launchers and hundreds of missiles
- Maritime Brimstone missiles
- Artillery ammunition, small arms ammunition, anti-structure munitions and 4.5 tonnes of plastic explosive
- Counter-drone capabilities
- Sea king helicopters
- Helmets
- Body armour
- Medical supplies
- Night-vision devices
- Winter clothing
and so much more.
The UK has a long-standing relationship with Ukraine, through the successful previous Operation Orbital programme which trained more than 22,000 members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, since 2015.
This new UK-led training programme builds on the successes of Operation Orbital, as the UK honours this relationship and will continue to support Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.
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