The New Zealand Defence Force is continuing to provide training to the Armed Forces of Ukraine in counter explosive ordnance measures and drone warfare – over three and a half years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began.
The Defence Force said under Operation Tīeke, up to 100 personnel across land, maritime and air are deployed to the UK and Europe to deliver training.
Personnel also undertake command and liaison roles at multinational headquarters.
The Defence Force said it has been working with partners to deliver core soldiering skills in the UK and is also offering specialist skills training throughout Europe.
New Zealand joint forces commander Major General Rob Krushka said the support provided by the Defence Force had evolved, just as Ukraine’s needs have.
“It’s been three and a half years since Russia invaded Ukraine, and the war continues. We work closely with partners to deliver expert training to Ukraine’s soldiers,” said Krushka.
“Our personnel are delivering knowledge and critical warfighting skills to give AFU personnel the best chance of continuing to defend their country.”
Support included courses covering basic infantry training spanning five weeks, “train the trainer” instruction for AFU members, and New Zealand personnel have also commanded troops from partner nations who are delivering training.
Medics at the New Zealand Defence Force have also provided life-saving specialised training in trauma care and combat first aid to Ukrainian medics.
This year, the Defence Force said specialised training had also been provided by the Royal New Zealand Navy maritime explosive ordnance experts instructing Ukrainian divers to operate in complex maritime environments.
This included the ability to identify and counter conventional and improvised Russian explosive devices underwater.
Land component commander Brigadier Jason Dyhrberg said personnel from the New Zealand Army were delivering highly valued specialist training in essential battlefield skills, such as combat medic training, countering explosive hazards, along with sniper and marksmanship training at locations in Europe.
He said “our personnel are highly regarded for their expertise and professionalism”.
“The NZDF and NZ Army are rightly proud of their efforts to support Ukrainian efforts to win on the battlefield.”
Another recent deployment included New Zealand Army combat engineers, who are training AFU members in Poland alongside Canadian and Polish Armed Forces.
The Defence Force said they are delivering a four-week course for between 70 and 120 AFU personnel at a time.
It covers essential combat engineering skills such as explosives handling and mine clearance, creation and demolition of land routes, and the skills needed to provide mobility and survivability of combat forces.
During Operation Tīeke, the Defence Force said more than 930 New Zealand Defence Force personnel have been deployed, and about 75 had been deployed twice or more to deliver training.
This has contributed to the training of “tens of thousands of AFU members”, it added, “to enable them to survive and be lethal on the battlefield”.
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