15 January 2024 , 00:01
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British forces will engage in one of NATO’s biggest military exercises since the Cold War, in a massive and defiant gesture against Kremlin aggression.
More than 20,000 sailors, soldiers and aircrew will take part in the pan-European Exercise Steadfast Defender 24, from February to June.
With NATO partners, they will practise defending against Russian aggression amid escalating concern that another big war in Europe could break out.
It comes in the wake of UK air strikes on Houthi fighters in Yemen who had attacked Red Sea shipping. It is also aimed at showing off NATO might to Russia ’s allies China and Iran.
Iran also backs the Houthis. But crucially it comes soon after the UK pledged £2.5billion more in military and aid support to Ukraine as Russian President Vladimir Putin ’s invasion approaches its two-year anniversary.
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In a keynote speech at Lancaster House in London today, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps will underline how the nation must respond to world dangers including what he calls “Putin’s menace”.
Announcing the country’s role in Exercise Steadfast Defender, he will add: “We are in a new era and must be prepared to deter our enemies, prepared to lead our allies and prepared to defend our nation.
“The foundations of the world order are being shaken to their core. We stand at a crossroads.”
Defence Secretary Grant Shapp (PA)There are now 31 members of NATO, after Russia’s neighbour Finland joined in April. Though not a NATO member, Finland’s neighbour Sweden will also join the exercise.
British involvement will include the RAF’s F-35 fighter jets, eight Navy warships and submarines, and 400 Royal Marines Commandos.
The Army is deploying 16,000 troops across eastern Europe, taking with them tanks, artillery, helicopters and parachutes.