In a speech at Lancaster House, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps MP unveils plans for a substantial deployment of 20,000 British service personnel to participate in Exercise Steadfast Defender 24, marking one of NATO’s largest exercises since the Cold War.
U.K Defence Secretary Grant Shapps MP articulated the United Kingdom’s steadfast commitment to deterring global threats, leading among allies, and defending the nation. Against the backdrop of an increasingly perilous global landscape, Shapps delivered a speech outlining the UK’s vision for securing its interests and supporting NATO.
Following last week’s strategic Royal Air Force strikes against the Houthis in Yemen and the announcement of a substantial £2.5 billion support package for Ukraine, the Defence Secretary is set to announce a significant deployment of 20,000 service personnel in the first half of 2024. The Royal Navy, the British Army, and the Royal Air Force will unite to participate in Exercise Steadfast Defender 24, operating across Europe alongside 31 NATO allies and Sweden.
These exercises will coincide with the NATO Alliance’s 75th year and will witness the deployment of the UK’s most advanced military assets. The Royal Air Force will utilize cutting-edge fighter jets and surveillance aircraft, the Royal Navy will deploy advanced warships and submarines, and the British Army will showcase a full range of capabilities, from logistics to armor to special operations forces.
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps MP emphasized the gravity of the current global situation, stating, “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 announced the UK’s commitment to send 20,000 personnel to participate in Exercise Steadfast Defender, one of NATO’s most extensive deployments since the end of the Cold War.
Among the notable units deploying is the 7th Light Mechanised Brigade Combat Team, recognized for its leadership during the activation of NATO’s Strategic Reserve Force in Kosovo. This brigade will operate across Europe, contributing to one of NATO’s largest deployments since the Cold War.
The Royal Navy, in its contribution, will deploy eight warships and submarines, including a Carrier Strike Group centered around a Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carrier. The British Army will dispatch 16,000 troops with tanks, artillery, helicopters, and parachutes, conducting live fire maneuvers and joint operations. The Royal Air Force will employ state-of-the-art aircraft, including F35B Lightning attack aircraft and Poseidon P8 surveillance aircraft, to simulate conflict scenarios and enhance its deterrence capabilities.
Exercise Steadfast Defender 24 aims to strengthen the coalition between the UK and its NATO allies, fostering collaboration and reaffirming commitments made at the 2023 NATO summit in Vilnius. As the world faces evolving threats, the UK’s proactive stance underscores its dedication to preserving peace and security in alliance with NATO.
