The Netherlands has concluded its participation in Operation Interflex as the British-led training mission shifts its focus from large-scale basic instruction to specialized courses for Ukrainian forces.
The Dutch Ministry of Defence (MoD) said the change reflects the evolving needs of Ukraine’s military.
Over four years, military personnel from 14 countries trained more than 63,000 Ukrainian soldiers through the program, including around 11,000 instructors. The mission focused on basic military skills such as marksmanship, battlefield medicine, and the laws of armed conflict.
The Netherlands has supported Interflex since its launch, deploying personnel from the Royal Netherlands Army and Marine Corps through multiple rotations. Most recently, troops from the 13 Light Brigade delivered the final Dutch-led basic training courses under the program’s current format.
According to the MoD, Ukraine has gradually developed enough capacity to conduct much of its own basic training, prompting Interflex to evolve toward specialist instruction tailored to the armed forces’ changing operational requirements.
Netherlands Supports Ukraine
The Dutch ministry said the country remains committed to supporting Ukraine’s defense efforts, building on years of military assistance that have included training programs, equipment donations, and participation in international coalitions.
In April, the Netherlands announced a 248-million-euro ($293-million) investment in joint drone production with Ukraine.
That followed a commitment in October 2025 to jointly produce deep-strike drones, backed by 110 million euros ($127 million) in funding. The same month, Amsterdam also pledged more than 150 THeMIS unmanned ground vehicles for Ukraine.
Earlier, in April 2025, the Netherlands earmarked 500 million euros ($541 million) for a drone initiative as part of a broader military aid package for Ukraine.
