EU Delivers Cutting-Edge Leopard 2 Training to Ukrainian Soldiers

The Armored Cavalry Group 'Cazadores de África'- belonging to the Cavalry Regiment 'Montesa' No. 3 of the General Command of Ceuta (a Spanish autonomous city located on the north coast of Africa)- has delivered two new training modules to a group of Ukrainian military personnel, under the European Union Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM UA).

'Leopard 2' and Armored Recovery Vehicle Modules

The 'Leopard 2' module has concluded its second edition, focusing on providing the necessary knowledge to operate, maintain, and employ the Leopard 2A4 main battle tank. This training, which began in Ceuta and concluded at the military facilities in Zaragoza (mainland Spain), combined theoretical sessions with simulator practice, real tactical exercises, and live-fire drills with the tank's various weapons systems.

The Armored Recovery Vehicle (ARV) module took place entirely in Ceuta and focused on the operation of the vehicle. During the course, students were instructed in vehicle operation, system handling, the use of its built-in crane, the execution of recovery procedures, and vehicle maintenance, aiming to ensure correct operation in support of armored units.

Following the conclusion of both modules, the Ukrainian military personnel shared a positive assessment of the training, highlighting the quality of the instruction and the high level of preparation and dedication of the instructors.

EUMAM UA: Support for Ukraine

The EU Military Assistance Mission in Support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine) was approved by a Council Decision on October 17, 2022. Its objective is to strengthen the capacity of the Ukrainian Armed Forces to defend Ukraine's territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders and to deter and respond to future military offensives by Russia and other potential aggressors. EUMAM works closely with all other like-minded international partners to provide training support to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Likewise, EUMAM is open to the participation of third countries. All mission activities take place on EU soil. So far, 24 EU Member States-prominently including Spain-have offered training modules and personnel to the Ukrainian military.

Spain's Role and the TTCC

In Spain, training activities are directed by the Toledo Training Coordination Centre (TTCC), which operates under the control of the Operations Command and coordinates its activities with various international structures, both within the European Union and under multinational agreements. Since the launch of this European mission, Spain has expanded the types of courses offered, which are now taught across different units of the Spanish Armed Forces.

The TTCC consists of a Headquarter in Burgos, led by Brigadier General Francisco Javier Calero Perea, Commander of the 'Aragón' I Brigade. The Combat Training Unit (UFC) in Toledo, a permanent unit providing both basic training and specific courses, reports to this headquarters, alongside the Training Modules (TM), which are activated to provide instruction in requested specialties. These courses take place in facilities belonging to the Ministry of Defense, the Army, the Navy, and the Civil Guard across various locations throughout Spain.

The Spanish Armed Forces possess extensive experience in training missions for military and security forces from other countries, including Iraq, Mali, and Somalia, among others. To date, Spain has trained more than 9,000 Ukrainian military personnel under the EUMAM UA mission framework.