British Army personnel are training dog handlers from the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine in vital skills from patrols to explosive device searches as part of Operation Interflex.
The training is provided by the 1st Military Working Dog (MWD) Regiment which supports a range of operational tasks both in the UK and across the globe including arms explosive search, patrols and combat operations.
The three-week training programme encompasses instruction on executing effective patrols and conducting searches for explosive devices. Additionally, UK trainers showcased the methods used to acclimatize UK military working dogs to the various sights, sounds, and scents encountered on the battlefield, enabling them to operate safely and efficiently in conjunction with their handlers.
Military working dogs are vital assets on the front lines and at border security, as their remarkable adaptability allows them to be trained for various specialized functions and utilized across different military branches to ensure the safety of personnel.
In Ukraine, this year alone, these working dogs have successfully thwarted 950 border violations, resulting in the confiscation of 87.5 kilograms of narcotics, nearly 20,000 rounds of ammunition, 150 landmines, and 32 kilograms of explosives.
This joint training initiative reinforces the United Kingdom’s steadfast commitment to the security of Ukraine and follows the recent announcement by Defence Secretary John Healey regarding the extension of Operational Interflex. Having already trained over 45,000 Ukrainian recruits, this program is set to continue at least until the end of 2025.
With more than two years having passed since Russia’s full-scale invasion, vast regions of Ukraine remain littered with unexploded ordnance and remnants of war. Military working dogs are instrumental in detecting these hazards, possessing a sense of smell that is 42 times more acute than that of humans, thereby facilitating the safe clearance of these threats for both soldiers and civilians. Their speed, agility, and unwavering loyalty render them essential for securing high-risk areas.
Beyond their tactical functions, military working dogs also offer emotional support to personnel on the front lines, as their presence can significantly enhance morale, alleviate stress, and bolster the mental resilience of troops facing difficult circumstances.
Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard MP said:
“This government is clear that the defence of the UK and Europe starts in Ukraine and our commitment to training members of the Ukrainian military across a variety of disciplines remains ironclad.”
“Military working dogs perform and invaluable role in both combat, mine-clearing and border operations and this training will help protect both Ukrainian soldiers and civilians. We owe a debt of gratitude to our four-legged friends who offer a unique and irreplaceable service to both the UK and Ukrainian militaries.”
