By KYIV. Nov 14 (Interfax-Ukraine) – New Zealand has announced a new package of military assistance to Ukraine, according to a statement on the website of the New Zealand Defense Force (NZDF).
According to it, New Zealand will send an infantry training team of up to 66 NZDF personnel to conduct training of Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers, in the UK.
"The professionalism, dedication and commitment of our personnel has been recognized by our partners, and they’ll continue to work with purpose to have an impact on Ukraine’s ability to defend itself," Commander Joint Forces New Zealand Rear Admiral Jim Gilmour said.
In addition, New Zealand announced the deployment of up to twelve NZDF intelligence personnel in the UK, as well as the NZDF’s New Zealand-based open source intelligence staff extension through to June 30, 2023.
"There are currently 135 NZDF personnel deployed to the UK and Europe in support of Ukraine’s self-defense," it said, adding that this includes 120 New Zealand Army personnel delivering training as part of the UK-led Operation Interflex, training Ukrainian recruits.
They are split into two training teams: Kiwi Team 1 made up of personnel from 1 Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (RNZIR) based in Linton, and Kiwi Team 2 of Burnham-based 2/1 RNZIR personnel.
"They are delivering a five-week Infantry Basic Combat Course designed to increase survivability and lethality on the battlefield," it said.
The NZDF training teams are in their second rotation of training. The first group of more than 320 recruits trained by the New Zealanders have returned to Ukraine to defend their country.
"Once they have completed their course, the Ukrainian soldiers either continue with specialized training in other roles with some likely to deploy on the battlefield," the NZDF said.
