About 8,000 British servicemen will take part in exercises in Eastern Europe to combat Russian aggression in one of the largest deployments since the Cold War.
Dozens of tanks will be stationed in countries ranging from Finland to northern Macedonia this summer, according to plans that were improved after Russia invaded Ukraine.
They will be joined by tens of thousands of NATO troops and the Joint Expeditionary Alliance, which includes Finland and Sweden.
The defense ministry said the operation had long been planned and intensified in response to Russia’s invasion of its neighbor in late February.
Field Army Commander Lt. Gen. Ralph Wooddis said: “The United Kingdom has made a significant contribution to defending Europe and deterring Russian aggression.
Tank Challenger 2 of the British Army. Photo: LCpl Spencer / Ministry of Defense / Crown Copyright / PA
“The series of exercises of the British army is essential for both.
“The scale of deployment, combined with the professionalism, training and agility of the British military, will deter aggression on a scale never seen in Europe this century.
The deployment in the United Kingdom is expected to reach a peak of around 8,000 employees working in continental Europe between April and June.
Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said: “Europe’s security has never been more important. These exercises will see our troops join forces with NATO allies and partners and the Joint Expeditionary Force in a demonstration of solidarity and strength in one of the largest shared deployments since the Cold War.
Troops from the Queen’s Royal Hussars have been deployed and will be stationed in an armored brigade in Finland that shares an 830-mile land border with Russia.
Exercises along with US troops are also being held in Poland.
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