May 24, 2022
Kiwis give Ukranians crash course in artillery
Thirty New Zealand Defence Force personnel are heading for the United Kingdom to train Ukrainian troops.
Over the next two months, up to 230 troops will be trained to use L119 105mm light field guns.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says New Zealand’s response to Russia’s assault on Ukraine has not only included the condemnation of Russia, but practical support for Ukraine.
“The UK will coordinate the strategic airlift to take our team over along with training ammunition and surplus equipment including aiming systems. The 30 NZDF personnel will at no point enter Ukraine for the purposes of this training. They will remain in the UK,” she says.
Aotearoa is also providing 40 gun sights to Ukraine, along with a small quantity of ammunition for training purposes.
The Government previously approved the deployment of a Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130H Hercules aircraft and NZDF personnel to the United Kingdom and Europe to provide intelligence, liaison, transportation and logistics support and about $15.7 million to purchase additional military equipment for Ukraine.