Training for Ukrainian military personnel on the ‘Leopard 2’ and armoured recovery vehicles concludes

• These two new modules were delivered in Ceuta as part of the European Union’s Military Assistance Operation in support of Ukraine

The ‘Cazadores de África’ Armoured Cavalry Group — part of the 3rd ‘Montesa’ Cavalry Regiment of the Ceuta General Command — has delivered two new training modules to a group of Ukrainian military personnel, as part of the European Union Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM UA).

The ‘Leopard 2’ module has concluded its second intake, focusing on providing the necessary knowledge to operate, maintain and deploy the ‘Leopard’ 2A4 main battle tank. This training, which began in Ceuta and concluded in Zaragoza, combined theoretical sessions with practical work on simulators, live tactical exercises and live-fire exercises using various types of tank armament.

Meanwhile, the Armoured Recovery Vehicle (ARV) module took place entirely in Ceuta and focused on the vehicle’s deployment. During the course, the trainees were instructed in driving the vehicle, operating its systems, using the built-in crane, carrying out recovery procedures and maintaining the vehicle, with the aim of ensuring its correct operation in support of armoured units.

Following the conclusion of both modules, the Ukrainian military personnel gave a positive assessment of the training, highlighting the quality of the instruction and the high level of preparation and dedication of the instructors.

EUMAM UA, support for Ukraine

The EU Military Assistance Mission in Support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine) was approved by a Council Decision on 17 October 2022. Its aim 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.

Furthermore, EUMAM is open to the participation of third states. All mission activities take place on EU territory. To date, 24 EU Member States — notably including Spain — have provided training modules and personnel to the Ukrainian military

In Spain, training activities are managed by the Toledo Training Coordination Centre (TTCC)—under the direction of the Operations Command, to which it reports organisationally—and coordinates its activities with various international structures, not only within the European Union but also under the framework of multinational agreements. Since the start of this European mission, Spain has expanded the range of courses, which are now delivered across various units of the Spanish Armed Forces.

The TTCC comprises a Headquarters in Burgos —headed by Brigadier General Francisco Javier Calero Perea, commander of the ‘Aragón’ I Brigade—to which the Combat Training Unit (UFC) in Toledo (a permanent unit that provides both basic training and various specific courses) and the Training Modules (TM) report; the latter are activated to provide instruction in the specialisms requested. These courses are held at the facilities that the Ministry of Defence, the Army, the Navy and the Guardia Civil maintain in various locations throughout Spain.

The Spanish Armed Forces have extensive experience in training missions for personnel from the armed forces and security forces of other countries, such as Iraq, Mali and Somalia, amongst others. To date, Spain, within the framework of this EUMAM UA mission, has trained more than 9,000 Ukrainian military personnel.