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Australia’s Chief of the Defence Force, Admiral David Johnston, has visited Australian troops training Armed Forces of Ukraine personnel in the United Kingdom.
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Australian personnel have trained more than 2,000 Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) personnel since January 2023, part of the more than 45,000 who have been trained since the wider UK-led mission, Operation Interflex, started in June 2022.
“Coming to the UK and seeing the strength of our international partnerships in operation is a reminder of the important contribution of ADF members in helping defend the rules-based order and keeping us all secure,” ADML Johnston said.
“Your mission here is vital. Even in my short time, I can see the value that you are making; the hard work you have been putting in to help develop the capacity of our Ukrainian partners.
“Australia is proud of what you’re doing – we are, as a nation, committed to supporting Ukraine’s defence and its ability to end the conflict on its own terms.”
Interflex Commanding Officer Colonel Andy Boardman said Australia’s contribution to the international mission had been exceptional.
“The Australian contingent is a really valued part of the mission,” Col Boardman said.
“Op Kudu troops come here with a huge amount of experience from the Australian Army and they bring that into our multinational context.
“We really appreciate Admiral Johnston taking the time to visit us in his busy program – it’s an opportunity to demonstrate to him just how much Australia is valued as a partner.”
The continual rotation of ADF personnel was expanded in January this year to include a junior leadership training program.
Among the AFU members who expressed gratitude to the ADF was lawyer Mikhailo, who was undergoing leadership training.
“It’s been great working with the Australians. It’s really important for us that we’re not alone in this fight, so we appreciate their dedication, effort and the respect that they show us – it is amazing,” he said.
Australia has provided more than $1.1 billion in military assistance to Ukraine, including air defence missiles and air-to-ground munitions, Bushmaster vehicles, M113 armoured vehicles, M777 howitzers, drones and drone systems.
Commanding Officer of Operation Kudu Major Ben Carolan said his troops were learning a lot from those they trained.
“There are combat veterans that we are training here,” MAJ Carolan said.
“It is the closest thing we have in the Army right now to what is a conventional war. The lessons we learn from this experience improve our ability to train and prepare for a future conflict.
“Leading Op Kudu has been one of the highlights of my career – it is easy to find purpose for and has real-world impact.”
