International Training Support to Ukrainian Armed Forces
As of September 30, 2024, 19 nations provided training to 156,212 UAF personnel within their respective borders. Security Assistance Group-Ukraine (SAG-U) stated that its numbers on international training are provided with the caveat that they are only as accurate as the information that partner nations have voluntarily shared, as SAG-U does not have a command relationship with any of these other countries and cannot enforce reporting requirements.
Note: SAG-U reported that it was unable to provide detailed information on international support for UAF training, as the DoD does not exercise command over the IDCC nor any other donor nation. All information on allied and partner nation contributions is reported voluntarily to SAG-U. Many donor nations do not share information on the totality of their contributions, which makes it difficult or impossible to calculate total numbers for international training support.
Sources:
SAG-U, response to DoD OIG request for information, 24.4 OAR 084, 10/1/2024.
U.S. Training Support
As of September 30, 2024, the United States trained 298 UAF personnel on the F-16, the M2A2 Bradley, the HIMARS, brigade headquarters procedures, company command, and targeting. The U.S. military conducted this training in the United States, Germany, and Poland.
According to SAG-U, the UAF’s training requests have trended toward higher-level collective training for key assets, such as the HIMARS, and continued crew-level training for artillery platforms. The UAF has also expressed interest in developing a U.S.-style master gunner program, which demands a high level of tactical and technical proficiency, for some of its systems. As of September 2024, UAF training programs increasingly focused on platoon- and battery-level training for the HIMARS, including non-launcher crew elements such as maintainers, platoon and battery commanders, and ammunition supply teams.
UAF Training
SAG-U estimates that most UAF basic training—90 percent—is conducted by Ukrainians in Ukraine. The number of UAF troops trained internally has likely increased with the implementation of the new mobilization law. SAG-U predicts that between October 2024 and July 2025, the UAF plans to train 127,000 troops across all levels of training, of which approximately 20,000 will be trained internationally, resulting in approximately 84 percent of all UAF training taking place domestically.
The UAF is actively growing its force generation capacity through the development of domestic training pipelines led by Ukrainians, according to SAG-U. As of September 2024, the UAF requested train-the-trainer support for frequently donated platforms, including the M2A2 Bradley armored infantry fighting vehicle and M1117 armored security vehicle, to help them develop that capability in country. In addition to these ongoing courses, SAG-U is coordinating U.S. support for a HIMARS train-the-trainer course. The UAF is also attempting to mature its maintenance capability by increasing its ability to conduct advanced maintenance functions within Ukraine.
Note: SAG-U reported that it was unable to provide detailed information on international support for UAF training, as the DoD does not exercise command over the IDCC nor any other donor nation. All information on allied and partner nation contributions is reported voluntarily to SAG-U. Many donor nations do not share information on the totality of their contributions, which makes it difficult or impossible to calculate total numbers for international training support.
Sources:
SAG-U, response to DoD OIG request for information, 24.4 OAR 084, 10/1/2024.F-16 Training
The Air Force Capability Coalition continues to support the development of Ukraine’s capability to operate the F-16, including the training of Ukrainian pilots and support personnel in the United States and Europe. As of September 2024, the first group of fully trained pilots began operating F-16s in Ukraine. The Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Policy (OUSD(P)) reported that while Ukrainian pilots are training on an accelerated timeline, this timeline can fluctuate based on student experience, English language skills, and progression through the training program. Introduction of the F-16 came after a year of Ukrainian requests for advanced western fighter planes, followed by additional months of training of Ukrainian pilots and maintainers. Ukraine plans to employ the F-16s in an air defense role, protecting Ukrainian cities from Russian bombardments.
Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Equipping and Training
As of September 2024, U.S. support for the UAF’s unmanned aerial system (UAS) capability involved advise, assist, and equip elements focusing mainly on offensive efforts. SAG-U said the most noteworthy contribution was the provision of explosives to Ukraine to continue production of warheads for one-way attack aircraft.
Lt. Gen. Charles D. Costanza, the Commanding General of V Corps, receives an MQ-1C Grey Eagle brief from Spc. Taybor ONeil, assigned to 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, during a visit to Forward Operating Site Powidz, Poland, July 26, 2024. Costanza visited to assess the current state of training and facilities to ensure the forces stationed on FOS Powidz continuously evolve across every domain. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jacob Nunnenkamp)
Source: Special Inspector General Report to the U.S. Congress, Operation Atlantic Resolve: Including U.S. Government Activities Related to Ukraine.
Ukrainian trainers and original equipment manufacturers provided the bulk of UAS training to Ukrainian forces and the UAF continued to train one UAS battalion— approximately 250 personnel—per month. According to SAG-U, the UAF has also begun training its mechanized brigades to implement UAS training. U.S. partners that provide assistance for uncrewed systems have also developed a better understanding of the UAF’s operations, vision for the future, and capability gaps, according to SAG-U.
UAF Electronic Warfare Training
The UAF receives training on electronic warfare systems that Ukraine currently has, ranging from maintenance training on electromagnetic support platforms to training on newer systems, if they are approved to be donated or purchased. The UAF has received several parts, such as amplifiers, to improve its own systems to meet electronic warfare gaps. According to SAG-U, these new and improved systems will provide greater fidelity for specialized electronic warfare units.
UAF Medical Training
SAG-U said that the United States and coalition partners have trained 430 UAF personnel in combat life saver training and 1,020 personnel in platoon combat medic training in 2024. In addition, the UAF has made more than 400 specific requests for medical items through the International Donor Coordination Center (IDCC) and consistently communicates its need for armored ambulances as a top priority.