The UK will lead allies in NATO’s Exercise Steadfast Dart 25, contributing the largest share of personnel and equipment to the drill held in Romania and Bulgaria.
During the exercise held in January and February, London will deploy over 2,600 personnel and 730 vehicles to practice rapid deployment of the new Allied Reaction Force, designed to reinforce NATO’s eastern flank.
“These exercises will showcase the Alliance’s readiness, capability, and commitment to defend every inch of NATO territory,” the UK government stated.
The UK Armed Forces will command land forces from 10 NATO members, leading the deployment of the new Allied Reaction Force.
The initiative aims to enhance coordination and cooperation among allies while bolstering readiness to address emerging threats, including those posed by Russia, the UK government emphasized.
“As we approach the three-year anniversary of Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine, we must continue to strengthen our collective defenses together to deter Putin effectively,” stated UK Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard.
Allied Reaction Force
Amid increasing security threats in Europe, NATO is boosting its efforts to deter and defend the Euro-Atlantic area.
In July last year, the alliance announced the launch of the Allied Reaction Force. The force can perform a wide range of missions, acting as a rapidly deployable strategic reserve in times of crisis.
It can be deployed to deter escalation and other emerging situations.
“The [Allied Reaction Force] can deliver forces, fires and effects within 10 days to either strengthen deterrence or provide a strategic dilemma to adversaries,” a NATO statement said.