UK Deploys Army, Navy, and 20,000 Troops for NATO Exercises with 31 Nations Across Europe

The UK is to deploy 20,000 troops to a NATO exercise to practice repelling a Russian invasion. Defence Secretary Grant Shapps is expected to make the announcement in a speech today. The deployment of the army, navy and Royal Air Force personnel to the Steadfast Defender military exercise, which is being conducted by 31 countries across Europe.

This was reported by the UK Ministry of Defence.

This is one of NATO's largest military exercises since the Cold War, as the alliance is practising its response to an invasion by Russian troops.

The exercise will prepare for an invasion of a member state by any aggressor, defence sources said. But the main threats being considered are Russia and terrorists.

In the context of an increasingly dangerous world, the Secretary of State for Defence, the Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP, will give a major speech at Lancaster House today. 

In his speech, he will set out his vision for how the UK will meet potential threats as allies remain concerned about the danger from the Kremlin as the war against Ukraine enters its second year.

He is expected to say: "We are in a new era, and we must be ready to deter our enemies, ready to lead our allies, and ready to defend our country when the call comes".

 "Today, our adversaries are busily rebuilding barriers, old enemies are being resuscitated, battle lines are being drawn, tanks are literally on Ukrainian territory, and the foundations of the world order are shaken to the core. We are at a crossroads."

The British army will deploy around 16,000 troops, along with tanks, artillery and helicopters, from across Eastern Europe starting next month.

The Royal Navy will deploy more than 2,000 sailors on eight warships and submarines, and more than 400 Royal Marines will be sent to the Arctic Circle.

The Royal Air Force will use F-35B Lightning attack aircraft and Poseidon P-8 surveillance aircraft.

As reported by The Gaze, during his recent visit to Kyiv, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak signed a historic bilateral security agreement with the President of Ukraine and announced £2.5 billion in military aid. 

The Prime Minister reaffirmed the UK's unwavering support for Ukraine, making the UK the first country to conclude such an agreement as part of the security assurances laid out at the NATO Summit in Vilnius, with the participation of Ukraine, G7 members and Allies.