UK joins the largest post-Cold War buildup of NATO forces as the Russian military conducts a series of high-profile manoeuvres. The UK is deploying hundreds of troops, as well as aircraft and armour, to Eastern Europe as part of the biggest build-up of Nato forces in the region since the cold war. The deployment is taking place during growing tensions over a series of high-profile Russian military manoeuvres.
RAF Typhoon aircraft from RAF Coningsby will be sent to Romania for up to four months, while 800 personnel will be sent with armoured support to Estonia, 150 more than previously planned, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has said. France and Denmark will also commit more troops, the British government said.
The announcement was made soon after a Russian fleet, believed to be bound for Syria, passed close to the British Isles. On Wednesday, Russia withdrew a request to refuel its boats in Spanish territory, as NATO put pressure on Madrid to deny permission.
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Tensions between Nato members and Russia have been heightened since Moscow annexed Crimea in 2014 as Ukraine descended into civil war.
The deployment of British troops to Estonia forms part of a wider Nato commitment to station four new battalions, totalling around 4,000 personnel, on the alliance’s eastern flank.
David Cameron confirmed at NATO’s summit in Warsaw in July that the UK was to send 650 troops to Estonia. As well as announcing the extra 150, the MoD on Wednesday gave further details of the deployment, including the Typhoons, a detachment of drones and Challenger tanks.
The UK defence secretary, Michael Fallon, announced that the first deployments are set to start in May next year.
After a meeting with Nato defence ministers in Brussels, Fallon stated: “With a growing defence budget, this deployment of air, land, and sea forces demonstrates our commitment to a leading role in NATO, helping protect our allies from north to south.”
The RAF Typhoon fighters will be sent to join the Baltic air policing mission to offer reassurance to the Black Sea allies, the MoD said. It will be the first time RAF planes have been dispatched to patrol Romanian airspace.
The moves are intended to underline the alliance’s commitment to the collective defence of all its members – including the Baltic States of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania, which, like Ukraine, have significant Russian-speaking minorities as well as acting as a “trigger” in the event of any aggression.
The US and Canada were also preparing to send forces to Eastern Europe. This is a strategic decision influenced by escalating tensions in the region and the need for a united front against potential threats. This mobilisation involved extensive planning and coordination between the two nations, as they aimed to enhance security measures and reassure their allies in NATO.
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Military leaders from both countries were reviewing deployment strategies, ensuring that their forces were well-equipped and ready to respond to any situation that might arise, thereby demonstrating their commitment to maintaining stability and peace in Eastern Europe.
Barack Obama announced earlier this year that the US was deploying a “battle-ready” task force of about 900 soldiers to Poland, as well as armour across eastern Europe. The country was also preparing to send troops to Norway for the first time.
Canada and Italy were reported to be sending troops to Latvia, while hundreds of German forces were said to be due to move to Lithuania. Belgium, Croatia and Luxembourg were also among the countries reported to be ready to commit forces.
“NATO does not seek confrontation with Russia. We don’t want a new cold war, and we don’t want a new arms race,” the alliance’s head, Jens Stoltenberg, was quoted as saying. “What NATO does is defensive, and it is proportionate.”
He told reporters he was very inspired after a meeting of Nato defence ministers in Brussels because “so many nations made very, very firm and concrete decisions” over their contributions to the four-battalion deployment.
Such commitments were “a transatlantic demonstration of rock solid support for our allies” and the deployment will send an “unmistakable message – NATO stands as one. An attack on one ally will be considered an attack on all,” he said.
The Typhoons will be based at Mihail Kogălniceanu Airbase, Romania, for up to four months in 2017, where they will engage in various training exercises and operations intended to enhance regional security and interoperability among allied forces.
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This deployment shows that partner nations are committed to keeping stability in Eastern Europe while giving valuable experience to pilots and support staff. The presence of the Typhoons at this location will also act as a deterrent to potential threats in the area, highlighting the capability and readiness of the involved air forces.
The UK deployment is set to be an exciting endeavour, featuring a skilled armoured infantry, equipped with the advanced Warrior armoured fighting vehicles and an impressive troop of Challenger 2 main battle tanks.
This formidable combination not only ensures superior firepower and protection but also reflects the commitment of the British military to modernise and enhance its operational capabilities.
With such a well-trained force, the deployment is anticipated to strengthen alliances and deter potential threats in a rapidly evolving global landscape. Furthermore, the inclusion of advanced communication systems and battlefield technologies will facilitate better coordination and strategic planning, making the deployment a critical component of the UK’s defence strategy in the coming years.
The US defence secretary, Ash Carter, who was at the Nato meeting in Brussels, said the arrival of US troops in eastern Europe follows the decision taken at the Warsaw summit. “Together, we’re strengthening deterrence here,” he said.
Carter said the United States would also lead a battalion in Poland as part of NATO’s enhanced forward presence, a strategic initiative aimed at reinforcing the alliance’s commitment to collective defence in Eastern Europe.
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This deployment underscores a robust military posture in response to evolving security challenges in the region, particularly in light of heightened tensions with neighbouring countries.
By taking on this leadership role, the U.S. not only strengthens its own defence capabilities but also fosters greater collaboration among NATO allies. It is ensuring that they are prepared to deter any potential aggression and maintain stability in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.
