The United Kingdom is set to send a significant force of 20,000 troops to participate in one of NATO’s largest military exercises since the Cold War, as announced by Defence Secretary Grant Shapps. This move comes as the alliance prepares to practice repelling potential invasions by Russian forces.
In his upcoming speech at Lancaster House, Mr. Shapps is expected to elaborate on the UK’s contribution to the Steadfast Defender exercise, involving 31 nations. The deployment aims to provide “vital reassurance against the menace” of Russian President Vladimir Putin, particularly in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
This exercise will witness the deployment of army, navy, and RAF personnel, marking a comprehensive effort to prepare for potential threats. The British Army is set to deploy around 16,000 troops along with tanks, artillery, and helicopters across Eastern Europe starting next month.
The Royal Navy’s contribution will include more than 2,000 sailors across eight warships and submarines. Additionally, over 400 Royal Marine Commandoes are expected to be sent to the Arctic Circle. The RAF will employ F-35B Lightning attack aircraft and Poseidon P-8 surveillance aircraft in these operations.
The Steadfast Defender exercise is designed to prepare for the invasion of a NATO member state by any aggressor, with a focus on threats from Russia and terrorists. This initiative underscores NATO’s commitment to collective defense and readiness for emerging threats.
In September, Admiral Rob Bauer, Chair of the NATO Military Committee, highlighted the scale of the exercise and the need for continued preparedness against current and potential future threats.
This announcement comes shortly after British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s surprise visit to Kyiv, where he unveiled a £2.5bn support package for Ukraine for 2024-25. The UK and Ukraine also signed a new security agreement for continued assistance in the event of further aggression from Russia.
Since the onset of the war, the UK has pledged nearly £12bn in aid to Ukraine. Prime Minister Sunak emphasized the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine, stating, “Ukraine is not alone, and Ukraine will never be alone,” and asserting that Putin will not outlast the UK’s commitment to support.
This large-scale deployment and the ongoing political and military support for Ukraine reflect the UK’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and its commitment to NATO’s collective security objectives. As global tensions continue to rise, the UK’s role and contributions are increasingly significant in shaping the international response to these challenges.
