News of War Staff Writer
MOD Crown Copyright
Today at Lancaster House, the Secretary of State for Defence, Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP, is poised to outline a bold strategy for the United Kingdom's role in global security amidst escalating threats. In his major address, the Defence Secretary will emphasise the nation's commitment to deterring adversaries, leading allies, and safeguarding British sovereignty.
This announcement comes in the wake of decisive Royal Air Force strikes on Houthi forces in Yemen and the recent commitment of an additional £2.5 billion in aid to Ukraine.
The Defence Secretary will reveal plans for a significant deployment of UK forces in Europe. Dubbed Exercise Steadfast Defender 24, the operation will involve 20,000 personnel from the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force during the first half of 2024.
Marking the 75th anniversary of the NATO Alliance, this extensive exercise will feature joint operations with forces from 31 NATO allies and Sweden across various European nations.
The UK's participation will showcase its state-of-the-art military technology, including the latest RAF fighter and surveillance aircraft, advanced Royal Navy warships and submarines, as well as the comprehensive capabilities of the Army, from logistics to armoured units to special operations forces.
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps is expected to highlight the changing geopolitical landscape, noting, "We are in a new era and we must be prepared to deter our enemies, prepared to lead our allies and prepared to defend our nation whenever the call comes."
Shapps will also emphasise the gravity of the current global situation, indicating that the UK stands at a pivotal juncture with adversaries challenging the established world order.
Exercise Steadfast Defender will represent one of NATO's largest mobilizations since the Cold War era. It will not only affirm the UK's military might but also solidify its commitment to the NATO alliance.
The Royal Navy is set to deploy a formidable force, including eight warships and submarines, as well as over 2,000 sailors. A centrepiece of this deployment will be a UK Carrier Strike Group, featuring a Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carrier with its complement of F-35B Lightning jets and helicopters, flanked by escort frigates and destroyers.
Image from The Royal Navy via X @RoyalNavy
The force will project power across the North Atlantic, Norwegian Sea, and Baltic Sea. Additionally, over 400 Royal Marines Commandos will undertake rigorous missions in the Arctic Circle, operating within an allied amphibious task group.
The British Army is preparing to dispatch 16,000 troops to Eastern Europe from February to June 2024. This substantial force will bring with it an array of equipment, including tanks, artillery, and helicopters, to engage in live fire exercises, parachute jumps, and joint operations with Army and Navy helicopter forces. Special Operations Forces will also be deployed, emphasising the UK's readiness to defend NATO territories and to operate seamlessly alongside allied forces.
Image from The British Army via X @BritishArmy
The Royal Air Force will contribute by deploying cutting-edge aircraft such as the F35B Lightning attack planes and Poseidon P8 surveillance aircraft. The RAF's role in Exercise Steadfast Defender will be to conduct advanced training in simulated conflict scenarios against near-peer adversaries, demonstrating the UK's capability to deter and respond to emerging threats.
This strategic initiative, which aligns with the commitments made at the 2023 NATO summit in Vilnius, aims to enhance the coalition between the UK and her NATO allies, showcasing a united front in the face of global challenges.
Image via the Royal Air Force via X @RoyalAirForce