Thousands of British Army soldiers, along with tanks and weapons, are to be sent to eastern Europe amid growing World War Three fears.<\/p>\n
In one of the largest military deployments since the Cold War, British personnel will be placed in countries from Finland to North Macedonia.<\/p>\n
These plans were in place before Russian President Vladimir Putin launched his \"special military operation\" in Ukraine, but have since been bolstered. <\/p>\n
Over 100 armoured fighting vehicles and dozens of tanks will be sent with the troops, who will join tens of thousands of others from NATO and Joint Expeditionary Force allies.<\/p>\n
The British deployment will peak at around 8,000 personnel between April and June.<\/p>\n
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said that the aim of the operation is \"deterring Russian aggression in Scandinavia and the Baltic states\".<\/p>\n
British personnel will take part in a number of exercises with their allies involving parachute drops, helicopter-borne air assaults and Challenger 2 tanks.<\/p>\n
The point of these exercises is to \"showcase the scale and significance of the British Army's contribution to the defence of Europe\", the MoD said.<\/p>\n
Brits will also be involved in some exercises in Poland alongside American troops.<\/p>\n
UK defence secretary Ben Wallace has hailed the plans as a show of \"solidarity and strength\".<\/p>\n
He said: \"The security of Europe has never been more important. These exercises will see our troops join forces with allies and partners across NATO and the Joint Expeditionary Force in a show of solidarity and strength in one of the largest shared deployments since the Cold War.<\/p>\n
\"Operating across Europe, the British Army will stand alongside partners, combining our capabilities and shared values, promoting peace and security.\"<\/p>\n
Commander Field Army Lieutenant General Ralph Wooddisse described the plans as \"fundamental\" with regards to security in eastern Europe.<\/p>\n
\"The UK makes a significant contribution to the defence of Europe and the deterrence of Russian aggression. The British Army's series of exercises is fundamental to both,\" he said.<\/p>\n
\"The scale of the deployment, coupled with the professionalism, training and agility of the British Army, will deter aggression at a scale not seen in Europe this century.\"<\/p>\n
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Thousands of British troops to be sent to Europe with tanks amid Russia WW3 fears - Daily Star<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Thousands of British Army soldiers, along with tanks and weapons, are to be sent to eastern Europe amid growing World War Three fears. Continue reading