In addition to training on more advanced weapons, the British government has stated that it may provide 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers with infantry training every 120 days in the United Kingdom.
More than 450 Ukrainian soldiers have received training in the United Kingdom on a variety of weapons, including the multiple-launch rocket system, which is regarded as crucial in the struggle against Russia.
As a result of their urgent need to learn amid a war, British trainers swiftly abandoned the traditional and methodical teaching tactics they had used with their soldiers in times of peace.
In recent weeks, the units have raced through courses on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire and elsewhere.
When they return to the battlefield in eastern Ukraine, they realize it might be the difference between life and death – a key driving factor.
Captain James Oliphant, a British Army officer, assisted with training on the multiple-launch rocket system (MLRS), a massive, mobile weapon on tracked wheels that fires 12 rockets at high velocity with a range of almost 50 miles.
“It came as a surprise to us,” he added regarding the Ukrainians’ desire to learn over the weekend.
“We designed the training curriculum and training materials based on our experience training British soldiers.
When we discovered that they were professional rocket artillerymen, the course material and its delivery got significantly simpler.
The Ukrainian forces were “in combat mode.”
In addition to training on more advanced weapons, the British government has stated that it may provide 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers with infantry training every 120 days in the United Kingdom.
Last weekend on Salisbury Plain, Ukrainian servicemen learning to handle the rocket launcher moved the system in three-person teams.
It was not being fired.
“Our Ukrainian soldiers are in a combative mentality,” a Ukrainian officer said, requesting anonymity.
“They are prepared for their return [to Ukraine]. We are aware that we are in this location to prepare to improve the situation there.
We have faith that it will aid us in our struggle.
On Salisbury Plain, a huge number of Ukrainian soldiers trained with light guns having a shorter range of up to seven miles.
Warrant Officer 1 Rebecca Bullock, who was assisting with the training, remarked, “They are motivated to acquire as much information as possible because they are aware that their window of learning opportunity is rather small.”
They only work, work, and work, as well as ask several inquiries.
Life is uncomplicated here.
A crucial challenge is how to move the weapon to a safer location as quickly as possible to evade Russian fire.
The fight in Donbas, eastern Ukraine, has been dubbed a “battle of fires” by military commanders, referring to the weaponry deployed by each side to bombard the other.
In some locations, Russia outguns Ukraine by a factor of 20 to 1.
It is for this reason that Ukrainian leaders, from the president on down, continually request more heavy weapons from their western partners.
The Ukrainian forces on Salisbury Plain practiced shooting the L119 light cannon on Saturday after spending five days studying it.
They utilized live ammo, firing 105mm shells at targets and erupting in applause whenever they were successful.
It was the first time since the training began that media were granted access.
A second Ukrainian officer stated that the exercises were beneficial, but that being in the United Kingdom was a major shift from being in a conflict zone.
“Of sure, life is relaxed here,” he remarked, speaking through a translator and requesting anonymity.
“This is a change in our lives for the time being.”
When asked if traveling to the United Kingdom for training was similar to going on vacation, the officer responded, “We are conducting drills and exercises.”
“We do not feel like we are on holiday. When we win the conflict in Ukraine, we shall have a holiday.
New Zealand forces support training
To distinguish themselves from their trainers, a mix of British and New Zealander personnel, the Ukrainian soldiers wore black protective vests and helmets.
Because their military is better familiar with the L119 light gun, 29 New Zealand soldiers have traveled to the United Kingdom to assist with training.
The United Kingdom has purchased approximately fifty used guns from a British company for the Ukrainian military. They will be deployed shortly.
Additionally, the United Kingdom is providing several multiple launch rocket systems to Ukraine.
At a NATO conference in Madrid on Thursday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson will announce an additional £1 billion in military support for Ukraine. He also stated that the United Kingdom will train 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers.
