All together in Support of Ukraine

For almost three years now, the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine has been showing us modern threat scenarios and the necessary technological further development on the battlefield. While classic firing training and terrain maneuvers used to be the focus, they have been replaced with complex, realistic training modules combining state-of-the-art simulation technology with practical military experience. As part of EUMAM UA, coordinated from inside the Bundeswehr garrison of Strausberg Germany, both EU multinational forces and industry make an essential contribution to the military capability of Ukrainian soldiers, e.g. by employing the Leopard 1 A5 battle tank. Coordinated most efficiently, this multinational cooperation turns out highly successful. All parties sharing these activities benefit from the mutual exchange of experience.

The Mission relies on the manufacturer KNDS, formerly Krauss-Maffei Wegmann und Nexter, for teaching the system basics and training the Leopard 1 A5 crews. Within just a three-week period, soldiers learn the basic skills to occupy the various positions in the tank: Driver, gunner, loader, and commander.

Each tank crew is assigned a permanent instructor and interpreter who can individually deal with the specific requirements of the soldiers, their strengths, and weaknesses. Undergoing half a day of system training combined with theoretical lessons, the Ukrainian soldiers use the simulator equipment provided by KNDS. The latter represents a tabletop classroom solution accommodating up to eight crews who can simultaneously man the various positions in the tank and practice the related functions the crew has to perform. From marksmanship basics and preparatory gunnery training through to tactical training at platoon level: The simulator training permits portraying different scenarios.

Following the training provided by the industry, German staff of EUMAM UA introduce the Ukrainian forces to combat training and live firing using the 105-mm gun. The tank is known for its outstanding precision and penetrating power.

While the Bundeswehr curriculum provides for as many as three three-month training periods to make their staff acquire the same skills the Ukrainian forces undergo a six-week high-intensity Leopard battle tank training because they have to make concessions to the state of war in their home country. At regular intervals, the EUMAM UA mission will continue to conduct this kind of training as part of the support program. In a shared effort, the EU is supporting Ukraine in its defense against Russia.