The UK-led Operation Interflex is entering a new phase of training support for Ukraine, shifting its focus from basic infantry training to more specialized and advanced instruction. In particular, the program will expand its aviation, medical, engineering, and logistics training tracks.
This was reported by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
“In June 2026, Operation Interflex marks four years since its launch. Under this UK-led multinational training program, more than 63,000 Ukrainian service members have been trained as infantry soldiers, commanders, and instructors. The fifth year of this successful and highly regarded program will usher in a new phase of specialized training designed to build long-term capabilities,” the statement said.
The new training structure will include helicopter aviation instructor training, whose first graduates completed the course last month, as well as other specialized programs in medical and engineering fields.
“Today, a new phase of British training support for Ukraine has been announced, expanding into specialized areas including aviation, medical, engineering, and logistics training,” the General Staff noted.
Operation Interflex was launched following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s full-scale illegal invasion of Ukraine.
Its initial mission was to rapidly provide large-scale basic infantry training, enabling Ukrainians with little or no prior military experience to defend their country against Russia’s unprovoked aggression.
The General Staff emphasized that over the past four years, Interflex has evolved into a highly successful, internationally recognized training program. Supported by personnel from 13 partner nations, it has delivered basic infantry training alongside leadership and instructor courses.
In addition, since 2024, 375 Ukrainian combat psychologists have completed specialized resilience training under the program.
Since its launch, 63,000 Ukrainians have graduated from Interflex training, including 11,000 military instructors, providing a significant boost to Ukraine’s own training system.
As it enters its fifth year, Interflex will transition to a unified structure, bringing together all UK-led training activities for Ukraine—both in the United Kingdom and abroad—under a single framework. In line with the evolving needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the program will move away from large-scale infantry training toward specialized and advanced training aimed at developing long-term capabilities.
“Now, in the fifth year of Putin’s brutal war, it is clear that Ukraine’s training requirements have changed since 2022. It is therefore entirely appropriate that the United Kingdom’s training offer evolves as well,” said UK Defence Secretary John Healey.
As Operation Interflex marks its fourth anniversary, the General Staff noted, it is entering a new phase that builds on its success and adaptability to provide long-term specialist skills, including pilot training, medical training, and engineering instruction. This will help ensure that Ukraine’s Armed Forces are better equipped to respond independently and effectively to future challenges.
“By focusing attention on the Middle East in recent months, Putin wants us to be distracted. However, Ukrainians continue to fight with immense courage, and nothing will distract us from continuing to support them for as long as necessary to achieve peace,” the General Staff said.
“The opportunity to work on such an important mission as part of a large multinational coalition, alongside dedicated Ukrainian interpreters and personnel from across the defence community, has been incredibly valuable,” said Colonel Andy Boardman, commander of Operation Interflex.
Since 2022, Operation Interflex has repeatedly adapted to meet the changing needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This latest transformation is another example of that flexibility, as the United Kingdom remains committed to supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes.
The United Kingdom continues to play a leading international role in supporting Ukraine. Together with France, it co-leads the Coalition of the Willing in support of Ukraine’s future security.
