New Zealand Defence Force personnel deployed on Operation Tīeke in the United Kingdom have marked the departure of the latest intake of Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) soldiers to complete their basic infantry training – with the Kiwis now readying to pivot to a new training approach.
NZDF has trained more than 3100 AFU recruits and is now adapting what it delivers to more specialist training and train-the-trainer support.
This shift will commence with the next intake of Ukrainians in July, and include medical and mine-awareness training.
Other support the NZDF is delivering as part of Operation Tīeke includes the deployment of:
- Specialist instructors to train Ukrainian medics
- Personnel to the international donor co-ordination centre
- Personnel to train Ukrainian divers
- Intelligence personnel
- Engineers to deliver basic field engineering training
Op Tīeke Senior National Officer Major Matt Blake said the training NZDF delivers had evolved to become more realistic, intense and aligned with the latest lessons from the battlefield.
“New Zealand personnel have left no stone unturned and enhanced all facets of the training delivery to ensure the soldiers are as best prepared as possible,” Major Blake said.
“The training delivered by NZDF personnel has prepared Ukrainian soldiers for the realities of war, and taught the necessary skills to support Ukraine’s self-defence.
“There’s no doubt the training has saved lives.
“I am incredibly proud of my team, who have worked side by side with Ukrainian soldiers in challenging conditions – through mud, rain and snow.
“They have done their utmost to share every bit of knowledge and skill they can.”
Land Component Commander Brigadier Matt Weston said helping another country to defend themselves from an aggressive invader demonstrated the NZDF’s support and commitment to the rules-based international order.
“As we have continuously done throughout Op Tīeke, we are adapting to meet the needs of Ukrainians in a way that balances NZDF resources, while maximising the direct support we can provide,” Brigadier Weston said.
“We will continue to evolve the training we provide as the needs change.
“This is important work.
“We can be justifiably proud of the work we’ve done to help Ukraine defend their country.”
