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Ukrainian military personnel have completed a specialized training course on the operation and maintenance of individual and crew-served small arms in Spain as part of the European Union Military Assistance Mission in Support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine).
According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the training marked the first time such a specialized program had been conducted in Spain under the EUMAM framework, UATV English reports.
A total of 21 Ukrainian service members participated in the course, which was designed to enhance their technical proficiency and operational effectiveness in handling a range of weapon systems currently used by the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The training program combined theoretical instruction with practical exercises and was organized in several stages to ensure the gradual development of knowledge and skills.
During the initial phase, participants received instruction on the operation of various individual and crew-served small arms systems. The curriculum included both classroom-based learning and practical familiarization with the weapons.
The second stage focused on maintenance and technical support procedures. Ukrainian personnel were trained in first-level maintenance, which is conducted directly by operators in the field, as well as second-level maintenance carried out by specialists responsible for repairs and servicing.
According to the General Staff, the objective was to strengthen the ability of Ukrainian units to independently maintain and sustain their equipment under combat conditions.
The course concluded with live-fire exercises that allowed participants to apply their newly acquired skills in realistic operational scenarios.
Training included weapons employment both on foot and in conjunction with various combat platforms, providing soldiers with experience relevant to modern battlefield requirements.
Particular attention was devoted to safety procedures and the responsible handling of weapons in different operational environments.
Instructors also placed a strong emphasis on teamwork and coordination, especially when operating crew-served weapons that require close cooperation between multiple service members.
“Through this practical and safe training, Ukrainian military personnel are improving their technical skills and operational autonomy, adapting the acquired knowledge directly to the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine during wartime,” the General Staff stated.
Spain continues to play an active role in the EUMAM Ukraine mission, which was established by the European Union to support the training and professional development of Ukrainian military personnel.
Training activities are coordinated through a dedicated Training Coordination Center operating under the command of the Spanish Armed Forces’ Operational Command.
Spanish authorities work closely with European institutions and international partners to organize and conduct the courses.
Since the launch of the mission, Spain has significantly expanded the range of training opportunities available to Ukrainian personnel. Programs are currently conducted at facilities belonging to the Spanish Ministry of Defence, the Army, the Navy, and the Civil Guard across various regions of the country.
The Armed Forces of Ukraine expressed gratitude to Spain and the European Union for their continued support, noting that such training contributes directly to strengthening the capabilities of Ukrainian forces defending the country against Russian aggression.
The training program comes as EU member states continue to reaffirm their commitment to supporting Ukraine. At the recent European Council summit in Brussels, all 27 EU leaders agreed on the need to maintain pressure on Russia while continuing military, financial, and political assistance to Ukraine.
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