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The Department of Defence has officially confirmed Australian Defence Force personnel have boots on the ground in Poland for Operation Legio.
Australian instructors are deployed to the country next to Ukraine, as they work alongside Armed Forces of Ukraine instructors to upskill Ukrainian trainees. The ADF is partnering with the Norwegian-led multinational Operation Legio to train Ukrainian personnel in Poland, continuing the support provided under Australia’s Operation Kudu.
“Australian Defence Force personnel have deployed on Operation Legio in Poland, joining the Norwegian Armed Forces operation to provide high-quality training for the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, with the aim of enhancing their effectiveness on the battlefield,” a public statement from Defence said.
“Working alongside instructors from the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Australian instructors are delivering advanced training that tests plans and tactics to failure in a safe environment, helping Ukrainian trainees adapt, evolve and build the warrior mindset today to meet the enemy on the battlefield tomorrow.”
Through the previous Operation Kudu, the ADF trained more than 3,650 Armed Forces of Ukraine personnel in basic infantry tactics, leadership and military skills.
Australia continues to support Ukraine as an operational partner to NATO’s Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine initiative.
That support has included deployments of an E-7A Wedgetail aircraft to Germany and Poland, as well as participation in the Coalition of the Willing and the Drone Capability Coalition for Ukraine.
“Australia is continuing to adapt our contributions to Ukraine to ensure our support remains practical, relevant, and aligned with their most urgent needs,” Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said.
“I am proud of the high-quality training delivered by ADF personnel under Operation Kudu, and I thank the United Kingdom for their leadership under Operation Interflex.”
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