Estonia has announced its participation in Operation Interflex, a multinational initiative launched in 2022 to enhance the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ infantry, intelligence, and related capabilities.
For the program, Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur said Tallinn will provide additional basic training instructors in activities being held in the UK and specialized courses in Estonia. The country will also support future contributions to the EU’s Military Assistance Mission for Ukraine.
Operation Interflex serves as the continuation of Operation Orbital, a similar warfighter preparation effort for Ukraine in response to Moscow’s annexation of Crimea in 2014. By June 2023, the operation had honed the skills of over 17,000 Ukrainian recruits. This number increased to 30,000 in November 2023.
Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson revealed plans for Interflex during a visit to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in June 2022. “Estonia’s contribution will mark the 12th nation to lend its support to the UK’s programme, which has already provided more than 34,000 Ukrainian recruits with essential frontline combat skills,” UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said.
