UK to Deploy 20,000 Troops for NATO Military Drills

The British Ministry of Defence has announced plans to deploy about 20,000 troops for a substantial military exercise set to take place in Europe during the first half of this year.

This deployment will also encompass warships and fighter aircraft.

As part of this operation, around 16,000 soldiers from the British Army will be stationed in Eastern Europe, spanning from February through June.

Additionally, the exercise will involve an aircraft carrier group, F-35B fighter jets, and reconnaissance aircraft.

The primary objective of this military exercise is to mark the 75th anniversary of the alliance's establishment.

In his statement, Grant Shapps, the British Defence Minister, conveyed the United Kingdom's commitment to sending roughly 20,000 troops to participate in one of NATO's most substantial deployments since the conclusion of the Cold War.

NATO had reinforced its combat-ready forces following Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine nearly two years ago.

The alliance has consistently provided support to Kyiv, encompassing military, economic, and humanitarian assistance, as reported by Reuters.

Shapps emphasized the significance of these exercises, explaining that they will bring together the British military forces with counterparts from 30 NATO member countries, alongside Sweden, thereby providing substantial reassurance in the face of the threat posed by Putin.