Operation UNIFIER

Operation (Op) UNIFIER is the Canadian Armed Forces’ (CAF) military training, professionalization, and capacity building mission in support of Ukraine. Following the illegal annexation of Crimea, Op UNIFIER was launched at the request of the Ukrainian government in 2015. Modified in early 2022 due to the illegal and unprovoked full-scale Russian invasion, Op UNIFIER has been extended by the Government of Canada through 2029.

Op UNIFIER is a highly adaptable mission, designed to scale and shift in response to the evolving priorities of the Security Forces of Ukraine (SFU). Op UNIFIER also aims to capture lessons learned that not only refine and enhance training for the Ukrainian military but also inform and improve CAF training and readiness at home—reinforcing Canada’s training institutions while supporting Ukraine’s ability to defend its sovereignty.

Since the start of Op UNIFIER, the CAF has trained over 50,000 members of the SFU, approximately 16,000 of whom have been trained in various locations across Europe following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Training covers a range of basic and advanced military skills, including tactical medical training, combat engineering, and leadership skills and education.

Beyond its direct training and capacity building efforts, Op UNIFIER also contributes to NATO’s Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU), which coordinates the delivery of training and security assistance to Ukraine and helps develop its future force. Operating from Wiesbaden, Germany, NSATU brings together NATO Allies and partners to coordinate military training, coordinate the donation of military equipment in an efficient, predictable, and well-planned manner, and coordinate the transfer and repair of equipment through logistical hubs on the eastern flank of the Alliance. Through its participation in NSATU, the CAF helps strengthen multinational planning, improve accountability across donation and repair pipelines, and support Ukraine’s long term force development in alignment with NATO standards.

How many people are deployed?

Approximately 300 CAF personnel are currently deployed on Op UNIFIER. Most personnel deployed are serving in training and support roles while others work closely with allies and partner nations to facilitate military aid, align future donations, and coordinate both immediate and long‑term training needs of the SFU.

What are they doing?

The following lines of effort illustrate how UNIFIER supports Ukraine through enduring, adaptable, and mission focused activities:

Basic infantry training

CAF instructors deliver foundational training that equips Ukrainian recruits with the core skills needed to serve confidently. The program teaches basic soldiering, safe weapons handling, and fieldcraft, while reinforcing teamwork and discipline. Recruits also learn first aid essentials and develop the battlefield awareness and skills required to move, shoot, and communicate in combat environments.

Combat engineering

CAF instructors provide training on a range of basic and advanced combat engineering skills. This includes instruction on locating, identifying, and neutralizing enemy explosives, as well as breaching enemy obstacles to enable the movement of friendly forces.

Combat medic training

CAF members participate in the medical training program for the SFU, focusing on advanced tactical medical skills and combat survivability that helps save Ukrainian lives on the battlefield.

Tactical planning and leadership training

The CAF participates in a joint leadership development program and trains SFU combat leaders. This training instructs Ukrainian combat leaders on battlefield responsibilities, planning and orders processes, maneuver coordination, intelligence and reconnaissance, and planning and execution.

Movement and donation of defence assistance

Operation UNIFIER plays a central role in coordinating the movement of defence assistance donated by the Government of Canada and by allies and partners. As part of its mandate, Joint Task Force UNIFIER oversees the transport of military and humanitarian materiel per rotation, ensuring that equipment reaches Ukraine efficiently, and in alignment with operational priorities.

While Canada sends most of this materiel through the logistics system that supports Operation UNIFIER, partner nations also leverage this logistical system to move their own contributions. This coordinated approach strengthens interoperability and ensures that Ukraine receives timely support from the broader international community.

Surgical training

A specialized CAF surgical element delivers targeted training that enhances surgical techniques used to manage complex conflict‑related injuries. Through mentoring and skills‑based engagement, CAF specialists support partner‑force surgeons in improving recovery, rehabilitation, and long‑term functional outcomes for those with severe war wounds.

Past efforts

Between September 2015 and February 2022, approximately 33,000 SFU candidates participated in training held in Ukraine. The CAF assisted with the delivery of 726 course serials across all lines of effort, including instruction for both the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) and the National Guard of Ukraine (NGU). During this period, CAF also trained approximately 2,000 members of the NGU. In addition to core training programs, CAF personnel contributed to specialized instruction such as M777 howitzer training and Leopard tank crew training, further strengthening Ukraine’s operational capabilities.

From 2019 to 2022, members of Op UNIFIER played a leading role in the Multinational Coordination Cell (MCC), coordinating training priorities among partner nations including Denmark, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Canada was the first nation to provide full‑time staff to the MCC, helping shape multinational training efforts in Ukraine.

External links

Government of Canada

Canadian military support to Ukraine

International missions

NATO-Ukraine relations (NATO)

NATO Security Assistance Ukraine
U.S. European Command