Second edition of the Underwater Mine Clearance Planning and Operations module concludes

• It has been carried out by the Unit of Countermine Measure Divers (UBMCM), based in Cartagena

Within the framework of the European Union Military Assistance Mission in Support of Ukraine (EUMAM UA), the second module for Ukrainian military personnel on operational planning and underwater and land demining techniques has been completed.

The students have received comprehensive and specialised training, which demonstrates the commitment of the Spanish Armed Forces to common defence and active participation in projects that improve the technical capabilities of our allies.

The Counter Mine Action Diver Unit (UBMCM), in addition to divers specialised in mine clearance techniques, has personnel specialised in underwater explosive ordnance disposal, as do other Navy diving units.

This training represents a significant step forward in strengthening the operational and planning capabilities of the Ukrainian military and confirms the importance of international cooperation in this field.

EUMAM UA, support to Ukraine

The EU Military Assistance Mission in Support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine) was approved by Council Decision on 17 October 2022. It aims to strengthen the capacity of the Ukrainian Armed Forces to defend the territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders and to deter and respond to possible future military offensives by Russia and other potential aggressors. EUMAM works closely with all other like-minded international partners to provide training support to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

EUMAM is also open to the participation of third States. All mission activities take place on EU soil. So far, 24 EU Member States - most notably Spain - have provided training modules and personnel to Ukrainian military personnel.

In Spain, training activities are directed by the Toledo Training Coordination Centre (TTCC) -under the direction of the Operations Command, to which it reports organically- and coordinates its activities with different international structures, not only in the sphere of the European Union, but also in the framework of multinational agreements. Since the start of this European mission, Spain has expanded the modality of the courses, which are now taught in different units of the Spanish Armed Forces.

The TTCC consists of a Headquarters in Burgos, on which the Combat Training Unit (UFC) in Toledo (of a permanent nature and which carries out both basic training and different specific courses) and the Training Modules (TM), which are activated to provide instruction in the specialities that are requested. These courses take place in the facilities that the Armies and the Navy have in various locations throughout Spain.

The Spanish Armed Forces have extensive experience in training personnel from the Armed Forces and security forces of other countries, such as Iraq, Mali and Somalia, among others. To date, within the framework of this EUMAM UA mission, Spain has trained more than 6,000 Ukrainian military personnel.