The one-month joint training exercise between the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (AFBiH) and the United Kingdom (UK) concluded on December 1st, after successfully taking place at military locations across BiH.
The exercise, involving all three infantry brigades and the Tactical Support Brigade of the AFBiH, alongside the 1st Battalion of the Royal Anglian Regiment from the UK, ran from October 23rd to December 1st in Rajlovac, Tuzla, Manjaca, and Capljina.
The activities were conducted according to NATO standards, aiming to enhance interoperability, strengthen mutual relations, and build trust between the Armed Forces of BiH and the UK. This year’s joint training builds upon last year’s extensive training, which included advanced combat operations in urban environments, leadership development, and preparation for international peace support operations.
In parallel with this training, a program focused on nuclear, biological, and chemical defense was also conducted. This provided military professionals from both countries an opportunity to exchange experiences, collaborate, and develop their operational capabilities. The training utilized a modernized combat training range and shooting range at Manjaca, as well as an urban warfare training facility near Tuzla, developed with the support of the UK government.
Major General Tomo Kolenda, Deputy Chief of the Joint Staff of the AFBiH for Operations, expressed satisfaction with the completed training, emphasizing its importance for strengthening the capacities of the AFBiH.
He thanked the UK government for its continuous support in developing the AFBiH, both through training programs and projects for equipping and modernization.
The UK Ambassador to BiH, Julian Reilly, stated that his government is committed to supporting BiH in its efforts to build a secure, stable, and inclusive society and to heal the wounds caused by conflict.
“As Lord Coaker, Minister for International Cooperation of the Ministry of Defence of the UK, emphasized during his visit to the AFBiH Basic Military Training Center in Pazaric last month alongside Major General Kolenda, these activities, where military personnel mutually share experiences and skills, benefit both nations,” Reilly concluded. He further emphasized that his country will continue to develop the capacities of the AFBiH in the future, according to the statement from the Ministry of Defense of BiH.
