David Sivills-McCann
25th October 2023 at 12:30pm
Members of the Ukrainian navy are taking part in a major multinational exercise in the UK for the first time.
Ukrainian naval forces have joined 10 other nations taking part in Exercise Joint Warrior – a twice-yearly UK-led training programme.
The exercise allows Nato allies to train alongside each other in a safe but realistic environment to help improve joint operations between the UK and its allies.
Ukrainian sailors from minesweepers Cherkasy and Chernihiv are taking part in the multinational exercise Joint Warrior 23/2 (Picture: Ukrainian Naval Forces).
- Ukrainian soldiers learn bomb disposal techniques in the Scottish Highlands
- Army trains Ukrainian engineers to defend critical national infrastructure against Russia
- Take a tour of the new Apache – the most advanced attack helicopter in the world
Personnel from Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, and the US are also taking part.
The Ukrainians have been invited as part of the UK’s wider support to its military following the Russian invasion of the country last year.
In total, up to 19 warships and submarines, 20 aircraft, and around 2,000 military personnel have been deployed to Joint Warrior.
The exercise will see personnel operating in ranges across the country and maritime exercise areas off the northwest coast of Scotland and the North Sea.
Cape Wrath Weapons Range is being used for joint firing activity while mine countermeasures vessels are operating in Loch Ewe, Loch Gairloch, Gruirnard Bay and the outer approaches to Ullapool.
Aircraft will be based at RAF Lossiemouth, Prestwick Airport and Stornoway Airport for the duration of the exercise.
A Royal Navy spokesperson said: “We can confirm that Ukrainian naval forces are taking part in Ex Joint Warrior 23/2 as part of the wider UK training programme in support of Ukraine.”
Ukrainian military sailors (crews from “Cherkasy” and “Chernihiv” minesweepers) are taking part in the multinational exercise “Joint Warrior 23-II” in UK.
📸: Ukrainian Naval Forces pic.twitter.com/UQHTH4waQi— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) October 23, 2023