First training module on the Black Hornet unmanned aerial vehicle for Ukrainian military personnel completed

•  In addition to this innovative training provided by the Parachute Engineer Squadron (EZAPAC in Spanish), the first module on ammunition handling has been completed

Over a period of three weeks, the Parachute Engineer Squadron (EZAPAC) — a leading unit in the use of tactical UAV systems within the Air and Space Force (EA in Spanish) — has successfully completed the first training module for members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces on the tactical handling and maintenance of the (UAV) “Black Hornet” 3.

The training activities took place at the Alcantarilla air base (Murcia), within the framework of the European Union Military Assistance Mission to Ukraine (EUMAM-UA). This training module has trained nine Ukrainian military personnel in the use of this micro-drone, which is ideal for reconnaissance and surveillance tasks, as it provides real-time information in almost any environment.

During the training, the Ukrainian military students demonstrated excellent performance and competence, quickly assimilating the knowledge imparted. They also expressed their satisfaction and gratitude, as, in the words of the most distinguished among them, ‘this type of training represents an exceptional opportunity to improve our drone handling skills and to exchange experiences and knowledge about their operational use. We are very grateful to the instructors, who have proven to be highly qualified specialists and have demonstrated an exemplary attitude throughout the training.’

That same day also marked the end of the first module on ammunition handling in Ibeas de Juarros (Burgos), taught by Ammunition Company 613, part of Supply Group I of Logistics Support Group 61. The training, which consisted of theory, practical sessions and various visits to facilities such as the National Institute of Aerospace Technology (INTA), trained Ukrainian military personnel in best practices for the conservation, maintenance and storage of ammunition, fireworks and other explosives.

With the completion of these training modules, the training programme for 2025 comes to an end, while those already planned and scheduled for 2026 begin to be managed. In this way, Operation EUMAM-UA reinforces the ongoing commitment of Spain and the European Union to the defence and sovereignty of Ukraine, through the planning and execution of the various modules required by the military forces engaged in a conflict to recover national sovereignty, which is constantly evolving.

EUMAM UA, support for Ukraine

The EU Military Assistance Mission in Support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine) was approved by Council Decision on 17 October 2022. Its objective is to strengthen the capacity of the Ukrainian Armed Forces to defend Ukraine's territorial integrity 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 countries. All mission activities are carried out on EU soil. To date, 24 EU Member States — including, notably, Spain — have offered training modules and personnel to the Ukrainian military.

In Spain, training activities are directed by the Toledo Training Coordination Centre (TTCC)—under the command of the Operations Command, to which it is organically subordinate—and coordinates its activities with various international structures, not only within the European Union but also under multinational agreements. Since the beginning of this European mission, Spain has expanded the range of courses offered, which are now taught in different units of the Spanish Armed Forces.

The TTCC has a Headquarters in Burgos—headed by Brigadier General Francisco Javier Calero Perea, commander of the "Aragón" I Brigade—which oversees the Toledo Combat Training Unit (CTU). The CTU is a permanent unit that conducts both basic training and various specialized courses, as well as Training Modules (TMs), which are activated to provide instruction in requested specialties. These courses are held at facilities that the Ministry of Defense, the Army, the Navy and the Civil Guard 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, Spain, within the framework of this EUMAM UA mission, has trained more than 8,500 Ukrainian military personnel, and efforts are underway to continue doing so in the future.