Strengthening Basic Military Training in Spain for Ukrainian Armed Forces Personnel

• At the Infantry Academy in Toledo, the Combat Training Unit provides instruction in combat skills and topographical techniques within the framework of the EUMAM AU mission

The Basic Training Company, belonging to the Combat Training Unit (CTU), is currently conducting a new Basic Recruit Training module, together with a module focused on topographic techniques and procedures, for personnel of the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF).

In parallel with core combat training, the shift towards specialised and mission-oriented training in support of EUMAM UA initiated last year will continue throughout 2026. Brigadier General (Cavalry) Francisco Javier Calero Perea, Head of the Toledo Training Coordination Center (TTCC), stated that they will continue to plan and coordinate training modules, maintaining readiness to assess and respond in detail to Ukraine’s training requirements, once approved by Spain and the European Union.

The unit responsible for implementing these training activities is the CTU, based at the Infantry Academy in Toledo. The unit is currently mainly composed of personnel from the 4th Armoured Regiment Pavía of the Aragón I Brigade. According to Lieutenant Colonel Jesús Domínguez Díaz, Commander of the CTU, the launch of a new basic training module confirms the confidence in the capabilities that the Army can provide or reinforce for Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel, who remain engaged in a high-intensity conflict entering its fourth year next month.

The Basic Recruit Training module provides trainees with general and fundamental individual soldier skills required for effective participation in military operations, while also enhancing their capacity for self-protection. Training activities include weapon handling and shooting instruction, small unit movements and formations, first aid aimed at stabilizing casualties, and combat psychology.

Looking ahead, subject to Ukrainian operational requirements and with the formal approval by the relevant EU and Spanish authorities, additional training modules are expected to be delivered. These may include advanced military topography training that has been taught at the Infantry Academy since 20 January. In addition to Toledo, other EUMAM UA training activities are currently being conducted in Seville, Cartagena, Ronda, Valencia and Logroño.

EUMAM UA Support to Ukraine

The European Union Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine) was established by Council Decision on 17 October 2022. Its goal is to enhance the military capacity of the Ukrainian Armed Forces to defend Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.

EUMAM UA operates in close coordination with other like-minded international partners to deliver training support to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The mission is open to the participation of third States, although all training activities are conducted on EU territory. To date, 24 EU Member States, including Spain in a leading role, have contributed training modules for Ukrainian military personnel.

Since the launch of this European mission, Spain has progressively expanded the range and scope of the training courses, which are now delivered across multiple units of the Spanish Armed Forces. To date, Spain has trained more than 8,500 Ukrainian military personnel under the EUMAM UA framework, representing 10% of all personnel trained within this EU mission.