The UK will send 20,000 troops to one of NATO's biggest military exercises since the Cold War, as the alliance practices repelling an invasion by Russian forces, Defense Secretary Grant Shapps is expected to announce today.
armyAnd the Navy British Royal Air Force Personnel will be deployed in Exercise Steadfast Defender, which involves 31 countries in a bid to provide “vital reassurance against the threat”. Russian President Vladimir PutinMr Shapps will say in his speech.
The Defense Secretary will also warn the West not to stand at a “crossroads” when he reveals the UK's contribution to the war games in a speech at Lancaster House.
Mr Shapps He will offer his vision of how the UK can repel potential threats, as allies remain concerned about the danger posed by the Kremlin, in the war against Russia. Ukraine He is now approaching his second year.
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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 nation, whenever the call comes.
He added, “Today our opponents are busy rebuilding their barriers, our old enemies have come back to life, the battle lines have been drawn, the tanks are literally in the Ukrainian park, and the foundations of the world order are being shaken to the core. We stand at a crossroads.”
The British Army is scheduled to send about 16,000 soldiers, along with tanks, artillery and helicopters, from all over Eastern Europe, starting next month.
the Royal Navy It will deploy more than 2,000 sailors across eight warships and submarines, while more than 400 Royal Marine commandos will be sent to the Arctic Circle.
The RAF will use F-35B Lightning attack aircraft and Poseidon P-8 surveillance aircraft.
An F-35B Lightning II, seen on the deck of HMS Queen Elizabeth docked in Limassol, Cyprus, in 2021
Defense sources said that the exercises will prepare for the invasion of any member state by any aggressor.
But the main threats being considered are from Russia And terrorists.
“There is a lot we need to do to protect ourselves.”
Speaking at a press conference last September, NATO Military Committee Chairman Admiral Rob Bauer said of the exercise: “In 2024, the Alliance will conduct the largest collective defense exercise since the Cold War: Steadfast Defender.
“More than 40,000 soldiers from across the alliance will be trained in Germany, Poland and the three Baltic countries.”
He continued: “We are facing a new era of collective defense.”
“NATO military authorities have been preparing for this era for years.
“We have never been stronger or more prepared.
“However…there is much more we need to do to protect ourselves not only against current threats, but also against reconstituted threats and potential future threats.”
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Mr Chaap's announcement will come hours after the Prime Minister's office Rishi Sunak He made a surprise visit to Kiev to unveil an extra £2.5bn support package in 2024-25 – a £200m increase on the previous two years.
Mr Sunak and President Volodymyr Zelensky It also signed a new security agreement committing the UK to provide “rapid and sustained” assistance if Ukraine is attacked by Russia again.
The Prime Minister said that since the start of the war, the UK had provided nearly £12 billion in aid to Ukraine.
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Mr Sunak pledged that the UK would continue to stand by Ukraine, telling the audience: “Ukraine is not alone, and Ukraine will never be alone.
“Putin may think he can outlast us, but he is wrong.
“We stand with you today, tomorrow and for as long as possible.”
