London: In a significant move, the United Kingdom is poised to send 20,000 military personnel to participate in NATO’s Steadfast Defender exercise, marking one of the alliance’s most extensive military drills since the Cold War.
According to a Sky News report, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps is expected to announce the deployment today. The forces, comprising army, navy, and RAF units, aim to bolster NATO’s capabilities in repelling a potential invasion by Russian forces.
Shapps is set to emphasize the critical role of this deployment in providing “vital reassurance against the menace” posed by Vladimir Putin, underscoring the UK’s commitment to defending against emerging threats.
Speaking at Lancaster House, the defence secretary will stress that the West stands at a “crossroads”, unveiling the UK’s vision for rebuffing potential dangers amid ongoing concerns about the Kremlin’s actions, particularly in the context of the prolonged conflict in Ukraine. Setting the stage for the exercise, Shapps is expected to say, “We are in a new era and must be prepared to deter our enemies, lead our allies, and defend our nation whenever the call comes.”
With tensions escalating globally, he will reportedly highlight the need for readiness, stating, “Today, our adversaries are actively rebuilding their barriers, old enemies are resurfacing, and the world order is being shaken to its core. We stand at a crossroads.”
The British Army will contribute approximately 16,000 troops alongside tanks, artillery, and helicopters. The Royal Navy will deploy over 2,000 sailors across eight warships and submarines. Additionally, more than 400 Royal Marine Commandos will be sent to the Arctic Circle, and the RAF will utilize F-35B Lightning attack aircraft and Poseidon P-8 surveillance aircraft.
While the exercise aims to prepare for the invasion of any member state by potential aggressors, the primary concerns revolve around Russia and terrorist threats.
The announcement follows a surprise visit by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to Kyiv, where he unveiled a £2.5bn support package for 2024-25, reinforcing the UK’s commitment to standing with Ukraine against any potential aggression from Russia. The total aid provided by the UK to Ukraine since the beginning of the conflict is expected to reach almost £12bn.
