LONDON: More than 1,500 UK troops will train alongside thousands of personnel from Nato members as part of a major exercise in Estonia, Britain’s Ministry of Defence said.
Named Exercise Spring Storm, it is the largest annual military exercise involving the UK-led Nato enhanced forward presence battle group.
Around 14,000 military personnel are set to take part from 11 Nato countries, with the UK marking the first time it has conducted a brigade-sized deployment to Estonia.
The exercise will see ground troops tested on battlefield scenarios, including trench assaults, reconnaissance missions and light infantry tactics.
UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, said: “Hundreds of UK troops from across our armed forces will again train with personnel from 11 Nato nations, demonstrating the strength of our interoperability with partner nations and our combined commitment to the Nato Alliance.
“While the Russian Army continues their illegal attack of Ukraine threatening stability in Europe, the UK and our allies will continue to support Ukraine and defend our shared values and freedom.”
The two-week exercise will also see RAF [the UK’s Royal Air Force]members carry out training exercises in reconnaissance and air-land integration.
Royal Marines Commandos will also carry out a beach assault exercise as part of the man-oeuvres.
The Queen’s Royal Hussars Commanding Officer Lt Col Steve Wilson said that the enhanced forward presence is “is looking forward to the opportunities provided by Exercise Spring Storm.”
“The chance to train over the terrain we might need to defend adds to the gravitas of the exercise,” he added. “Our battle group is fully integrated with 1st Estonian Brigade and brings a highly trained and capable UK and French troops to the field.
“We will be bringing a wide range of hard-hitting capabilities from main battle tanks, anti-tank, and artillery to snipers, mortars,engineers and tactical air controllers.
“We look forward to demonstrating the capabilities and resolve of the Nato alliance over the coming days.” — dpa
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
