The UK Defence Minister has said thousands of troops are to be placed on “high readiness” to defend Estonia following an agreement.
The British Army’s 4th Light Mechanised Brigade Combat Team (4 LBCT) also known as “The Black Rats” will defend NATO’s eastern flank which borders Russia, this in addition to soldiers already in country.
John Healey is to sign a new defence roadmap with Estonia providing commitment and cooperation with allies on missile defence.
During Thursday’s meeting in Brussels Healey has agreed to step up cooperation with developing long-range missiles to be integrated with NATO’s missile defences.
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The UK is to lead the new “DIAMOND”(Delivering Integrated Air and Missile Operational Networked Defences) initiative and has pledged to develop new missiles and will develop “new cutting edge” missiles that will improve NATO’s collective air defences.
The British Army’s 4th Brigade specialise in the Estonian terrain and in the future the army will deploy advanced tanks and the new Challenger 3 Main Battle Tanks, with helicopters, guided rocket launcher rocket launchers the Ministry of Defence has confirmed on Thursday.
Speaking in Brussels the British Defence Secretary said on Thursday, “As global threats increase, the UK’s unshakeable commitment to NATO has never been more important. We are boosting our support for Estonia, with thousands of troops ready to deploy rapidly to the Russian border.
“I recently visited our dedicated troops posted at the NATO front line in Estonia to thank them for their service in safeguarding Europe in the face of growing Russian aggression.
“These announcements reinforce our contribution to the NATO alliance for decades to come. We are working closely with partners to develop advanced defensive and offensive capabilities to protect our citizens whilst boosting industry, jobs and growth in the UK.”
When he arrived at NATO’s headquarters on Thursday Healey said, “Today, we will make the commitment to reinforce NATO’s eastern flank with a new plan alongside Estonia for our forces there.
“And we will make a commitment, a UK commitment, to bolstering the future of Europe’s defences, leading a new initiative to get together the European air defence systems and to work together with other European allies to develop long-range missiles.
“This is part of the UK’s new determination to work more closely with other European allies on security for the future, and Europe’s security is guaranteed by this NATO alliance.”
