Thousands of British troops are travelling to Romania to take part in massive mobilisation drills ahead of the third anniversary of the war in Ukraine.
Around 2,500 British personnel, along with hundreds of vehicles, are moving across the continent by land, air and sea to join allies in the Balkans.
The operation, called Steadfast Dart, aims to highlight the bloc’s ability to mobilise at speed, amid a slew of World War 3 threats from Putin allies in recent months.
Steadfast Dart, the first major deployment of NATO’s Allied Reaction Force (ARF), is intended to test the ability to deploy under pressure.
Second Lieutenant Alex Coleman told PA the move across Europe was a ‘hefty undertaking’ that ‘shows what the British Army and NATO are capable of’.
Lt Coleman said the convoy has travelled from the UK, through the Netherlands, Germany, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, and will cover some 1,400 miles.
Hundreds reached Hungary early today, pausing before heading on to Romania this evening, where they will carry out combat drills.
British vehicles arrive at a Hungarian military base at Szentes during Steadfast Dart, today
British military vehicles are marshalled as they arrive at a Hungarian military base on Tuesday
NATO’s Allied Reaction Force replaced the NATO Response Force last year.
Steadfast Dart is the first operation to test the group’s reactions as such.
British troops set off from Marchwood in Hampshire last week, with around 730 vehicles.
The convoy includes Foxhound patrol and Jackal high mobility weapons platform vehicles, Mastiff armoured patrol vehicles as well as fuel tankers and forklift trucks, fitted on to three ferries at the Sea Mounting Centre.
The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards and the 4th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland have been deployed for the exercise in Romania.
The two regiments, part of 7 Light Mechanised Brigade – known as The Desert Rats – will form the main battlegroup supported by other UK forces and representatives from other NATO nations.
The exercise marks the first deployment under the bloc’s new Allied Reaction Force (ARF)
British military vehicles in convoy as they arrive in Szentes early this morning
Speaking earlier this month, armed forces minister Luke Pollard said: ‘This Government wants the UK to be NATO’s leading European nation.
‘Exercise Steadfast Dart demonstrates our unshakeable commitment to Nato and highlights the UK’s key leadership role in the alliance.
‘As we approach the three-year anniversary of Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine, we must continue to strengthen our collective defences together to deter (Russian President Vladimir) Putin effectively.’
Despite lofty ambitions, the UK staffs ‘around 148,230’ personnel, as of April 2024, covering the army, air force and navy/marines.
Between 2023 and 2024, there was a fall in the number of overall personnel, with 4,430 more leaving than joining – next to a net decrease of 5,420 the previous year.
The UK had 5,700 personnel stationed overseas at the time data was collected, with around two thirds in Europe.
Under a new ‘100 year’ deal with Kyiv, Britain and Ukraine will look to ‘deepen defence cooperation’.
A Mastiff vehicle is loaded onto the MV Hurst Point near Southampton, on January 16
A member of the military checks the tyres on a Foxhound vehicle in Southampton, January 16
The document opens the possibility that the UK may deploy permanent military bases in Ukrainian territory.
‘The Participants will explore options for deploying and maintaining defence infrastructure in Ukraine, including military bases, logistics depots, reserve military equipment storage facilities and war reserve stockpiles,’ the document reads.
‘These facilities could be utilised to bolster their own defence capabilities in the event of a significant military threat.’
Sir Keir Starmer also pledged £40mn for an economic recovery programme to provide support on grain verification and trade, as well as £3bn a year in military aid ‘for as long as it takes’.
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
