How UK troops with no combat experience are preparing their Ukrainian counterparts for war

Over a decade has passed since the end of Op Telic and Herrick – the codenames for British military involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan – meaning members of the UK's Armed Forces with no active combat experience are beginning to grow in number and rank.

Yet in peacetime, UK forces are once again at the forefront, leading Op Interflex, a multinational mission training Ukrainian troops as they defend their country against Russia. 

Over the three years since the mission began, more than 56,000 Ukrainians have been trained by the UK and partner nations on essential battlefield skills, from basic infantry training to leadership development and instructor qualifications. 

• Latest Op Interflex troops head back to Ukraine having learned to command and conquer
• 'War is now in its fourth year, and Ukraine needs battlefield leaders': Evolution of Op Interflex
• Incredible work turning civilians into soldiers, Starmer tells Interflex trainers

In our video above, BFBS Forces News joins soldiers on Op Interflex, a unique mission whereby many of the instructors have less first-hand experience of active combat than the Ukrainian counterparts they are guiding.