News | 11-08-2023 | 13:51
Nearly 1,000 Ukrainian marines are returning home after more than six months of amphibious training in the UK. They were intensively supervised by British and Dutch Marines, among others. The Ukrainian Marines will now apply that knowledge and experience in the fight against the Russian occupiers.
A total of 80 to 85 Dutch marines participated in training the Ukrainians. They taught them, among other things, knowledge in the field of amphibious operations. This includes going ashore in small (inflatable) boats to carry out further operations there.
The Ukrainians also received training in the use of anti-tank weapons, anti-aircraft missiles and mortars. And they kept learning Drones For use in exploration and blasting obstacles. All the equipment they have been working with over the past six months is part of various support packages donated by several countries.
The group of Ukrainians consists of a diverse group. This included inexperienced civilians and soldiers from across the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Some of them had already fought on the front lines.
Interflex process
Amphibious training was complementary to Operation Interflex. Ukrainians receive basic military training from international partners in 5 weeks. The Netherlands has contributed to this from the beginning, in July last year, with about 90 trainers from the Army and Marine Corps. Since the start of this process, more than 20,000 Ukrainians have been trained.
50 years of cooperation
Dutch Marines and British Royal Marines We have worked closely together for years. This year, the Marine Corps both celebrate the 50th anniversary of amphibious cooperation. In June, ministers of the two countries signed an agreement to continue working together in the coming years.
