As part of an important exercise in Estonia, more than 1,500 British soldiers will train with thousands of NATO allies.
Exercise Spring Storm, the largest military exercise of the year, involves 14,000 personnel from 11 NATO member countries.
The exercise is even more important this year due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and its potential threat to NATO.
Ben Wallace , the Defence Secretary, said: “Hundreds UK troops will train again with personnel from eleven NATO nations. This shows the strength of interoperability between partner nations and the commitment of the NATO Alliance.
“While the Russian Army continues its illegal invasion of Ukraine, threatening the stability in Europe the UK and allies will continue their support for Ukraine and defend our values and freedom.”
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This year the number of British personnel has increased after the UK committed that it would increase the size its Forward Presence battlegroup (eFP), which is composed of both UK-French forces, to a deployment of brigade size.
The eFP ensures a constant NATO presence with troops deployed to deter any aggression against the borders of the alliance.
Recent actions taken as part of the UK’s eFP included air intercepts by RAF fighters of Russian aircraft.
The Estonian terrain will provide a variety of realistic scenarios for the testing of units, including trench attacks, light infantry tactics and armoured vehicle maneuvers.
The Royal Marines Commandos and RAF will both conduct air training exercises to test the UK’s capability in maritime strikes.
