Image: UK MoD
The UK has launched a new specialist phase of Operation Interflex, its multinational Ukraine training programme, transitioning away from large-scale infantry instruction and into aviation, medical, engineering and logistics training.
As per a recent UK Ministry of Defence announcement, Interflex will move into a unified framework consolidating all UK-led training for Ukraine, both domestically and overseas, under a single operational name. The change marks the programme’s fifth year and reflects the evolving requirements of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU).
Launched in mid-2022 following Russia’s full-scale invasion, Interflex has trained more than 63,000 personnel across basic infantry, leadership and instructor courses. Supported by 13 partner nations, it has also delivered bespoke mental resilience training to 375 Ukrainian combat psychologists since 2024. Of the total trained, 11,000 have qualified as military instructors, strengthening Ukraine’s own training capacity.
Specialist training is already underway. Last month, the first cohort of Ukrainian pilots graduated from a UK-run helicopter instructor course, with further trainees due to arrive shortly as part of a long-term plan to build an indigenous pilot training system. Medical and engineering programmes will follow as the framework expands.
Defence Secretary John Healey MP commented: “Now in the fifth year of Putin’s brutal war, it is clear that Ukraine’s training needs have evolved since 2022. It is therefore right that the UK’s training offer evolves too.” He added that the new phase would deliver long-term specialist skills including pilot, medical and engineering training, and reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to Ukraine “for as long as it takes.”
Commanding Officer of Operation Interflex Colonel Andy Boardman commented that working alongside a large multinational coalition and dedicated Ukrainian linguists had been enormously rewarding. He added: “Since 2022, Operation Interflex has repeatedly evolved to meet the changing needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and this is simply the latest demonstration of that agility.”
The announcement follows the UK-Ukraine 100-Year Partnership agreement, which formalised long-term bilateral defence cooperation. Alongside France, the UK jointly leads the Coalition of the Willing in support of Ukraine’s future security. Healey co-chaired the 34th Ukraine Defence Contact Group with Germany on 15 April.
Total British support for Ukraine stands at up to £21.8 billion, comprising £13 billion in military support, up to £5.3 billion in non-military assistance, and a £3.5 billion export finance cover limit.
Read more on the UK MoD website
