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Ukrainian marines have completed a six-month program hosted by the United Kingdom’s Royal Marines and Army Commandos, training the Ukrainian forces to conduct amphibious operations.
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A total 900 Ukrainian marines have completed training in small boat amphibious operations in the United Kingdom and are now set to return home following the challenging six-month course.
The training taught the Ukrainian warfighters to conduct beach raids with inflatable boats and employ advanced weapons systems including next-generation light anti-tank weapons and Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, mortars, and reconnaissance drones.
According to the British Ministry of Defence, the trainees include new volunteers and some who have already served on the frontlines.
Instructors were sourced from 42 Commando and 47 Commando Raiding group.
They also received support from Army Commando members of 24 Commando Engineers and Royal Artillery Gunners from 29 Commando, and even the Netherlands Marine Corps, the MOD confirmed.
The training will enable the Ukrainian government to build its own military capabilities, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace explained.
“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,” Secretary Wallace said.
“This program of training, delivered by elite British commandos, will support Ukraine to build its own distinct marine force and expand its capability to operate in a maritime environment.”
A Ukrainian trainee gave a glimpse into the rigour of the training.
“The training I have received from the UK Royal Marines has been far more intense than I expected. I have learned so much and never expected to be doing the things I have done,” he said.
“All the way through, our British instructors have been beside us, showing us how to move and how to work together in a small team – this will make a difference when we return home to Ukraine.”
