28 August 2025
Polling data released by Operation Interflex, the UK-led multinational training mission of Armed Forces of Ukraine personnel, has revealed the effectiveness of Australian training.
More than 3000 Ukrainians have been trained by the ADF on Operation Kudu since 2023, in support of Interflex.
About 90 per cent of the Ukrainians polled since January 2025 said they felt more confident in their lethality and survivability at the completion of training.
Commander of the Australian contingent Major Tom Folley said the training was exceeding expectations in satisfaction and battlefield preparedness.
“Every time a course departs they complete an exit poll in which they get a chance to say the good and the bad about our training,” Major Folley said.
“Every course we have delivered has received incredibly high ratings, with upwards of 90 to 100 per cent of the trainees saying they feel more confident, survivable and lethal heading back to Ukraine.
“We consistently hear that our training is making a difference and Ukrainians want to come and work with the ADF contingent here in the UK.”
'It has been a very great experience with our partner forces. They are very professional instructors.'
Ukrainian personnel who have completed the training have shared insights about how the program has evolved and directly impacted their abilities in the field.
“We can see that they are getting the feedback from previous rotations and are getting better and trying to adjust the training process,” a Ukrainian said.
“The overall experience was really good. I’ve got much more confidence in how to work with personnel, delivering orders, explaining what they should do and how.”
An Australian Army instructor said there was a big difference from when they first arrived to when they finished the training.
“Predominantly in the orders phase, when they deliver them from start to finish, they become more confident and execute the delivery significantly better,” the instructor said.
Armed Forces of Ukraine troops also appreciated skills and tactics developed in the urban environment.
“Overall the urban experience was very beneficial. We got to practise everything we already know about urban and learnt new tactics,” a Ukrainian said.
“It has been a very great experience with our partner forces. They are very professional instructors.
“It felt as if we had known each other our whole lives.”
