Australia moving Ukraine trainers to Poland
Australian Defence Force personnel will henceforth train Ukrainian soldiers in Poland as part of Australia’s ongoing commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defence against the Russian invasion.
CAPTION: An Australian Defence Force member delivers a training brief to Armed Forces of Ukraine personnel during a platoon and company sergeants’ battle course on Operation KUDU 26. Photo by Sergeant Samuel Miller.
From mid-2026, the ADF will partner with the Norwegian-led multinational Operation Legio to train Ukrainian personnel in Poland, continuing the support provided under Australia’s Operation Kudu.
Since January 2023, Operation Kudu has worked with the United Kingdom-led multinational training mission, Operation Interflex.
This effort will now evolve under Operation Legio to deliver training closer to Ukraine’s borders and better meet Ukraine’s operational requirements.
Through Operation Kudu, the ADF has trained more than 3650 Armed Forces of Ukraine personnel in basic infantry tactics, leadership and military skills.
Australia continues to support Ukraine as an operational partner to NATO’s Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine initiative.
This support has included deployments of an E-7A Wedgetail aircraft to Germany and Poland, as well as participation in the Coalition of the Willing and the Drone Capability Coalition for Ukraine.
Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Australia has provided more than $1.7 billion in support for Ukraine, including $1.5 billion in military assistance – a figure that has not changed since the M1A1 tanks donation was announced in October 2024.
Minister for Defence Richard Marles [who insists on being called Deputy Prime Minister even when discussing Defence-portfolio matters] said Australia was continuing to adapt its contributions to Ukraine to ensure our support remained practical, relevant and aligned with their most urgent needs.
“I am proud of the high-quality training delivered by ADF personnel under Operation Kudu, and I thank the United Kingdom for their leadership under Operation Interflex.”
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