British Army's eight global deployments as UK's 108,000-strong force readies for war

Daily Record

08-05-2025

As the world watches on amid fears of a potential World War 3 conflict, the British Army remains on high alert with troops deployed on eight global operations
Global tensions are at a boiling point following military clashes between nuclear-armed neighbours India and Pakistan, as the world's attention shifts from one potential WW3 conflict to another.
This comes in the wake of Israel's actions against Palestine, Russia's attempted invasion of Ukraine, and China's growing interest in Taiwan.
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These threats could see the British Army called into action overseas at any moment. The army boasts a land warfare force of 108,000, with nearly 74,000 full-time recruits keeping a close eye on the escalating conflicts.
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In addition to the full-time personnel, the British Army includes 4,127 Gurkhas, 25,742 volunteer reserves and 4,697 "other personnel", with the majority of its forces now stationed within the UK.
However, the army is currently involved in eight global operations, with soldiers living, training and conducting routine military drills worldwide. Here's a breakdown of where they are:, reports the Express.
Germany
Germany hosts the British Army-led NATO Forward Holding Base in Sennelager, which is estimated to house fewer than 1,000 British Army personnel. According to the force's website, "this base hosts British Army tanks, equipment, and logistics elements as well as providing a facility to integrate and train with NATO allies to practise our shared commitment to the alliance's collective security and defence."
Estonia and Poland (Operation Cabrit)
Operation Cabrit represents the UKs commitment to NATO's Forward Land Forces initiative, deploying troops in strategic areas across Europe.
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The British Army has positioned its forces in the Baltic state of Estonia and in Poland, Eastern Europe - pivotal locations considering current geopolitical tensions.
Estonia shares a border with Russia, while Poland is in close proximity to Ukraine and Belarus, which hosts Russian military forces and nuclear weapons.
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During his visit to the 900 troops stationed in Estonia, Prince William acknowledged the UK's largest active overseas deployment.
"A British Army Brigade is held at readiness and deploys its fighting power to secure NATO's flank in Estonia and provide a reconnaissance capability in Poland," the British Army says.
"Operation Cabrit works alongside multiple NATO allies in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland, showing the strength of NATO through its united commitment to the alliance's collective security and defence."
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Gilbraltar
The British Army operates from Devil's Tower Camp with about 200 troops from the Royal Gibraltar Regiment. The Army emphasises the strategic significance of this territory at the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean.
Falklands
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Following the Falklands conflict in 1982, the UK established a permanent military presence on the Falkland Islands, consisting of elements from the Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, and the British Army, thus ensuring the defence and security of this remote British Overseas Territory.
Relations between the UK and Argentina have evolved considerably over time, yet British presence endures on the Falklands with a constant garrison; the British Army supplies both air defence and infantry specialists to meet enduring commitments.
The formidable landscape and climate of the South Atlantic present unique training opportunities for soldiers stationed at Mount Pleasant base.
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Belize
The British Army Training Support Unit Belize (BATSUB) runs with a core team of 12 permanent members of staff and provides employment to over 100 locals
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The unit carries out up to five dismounted close combat exercises per year of varying sizes. Moreover, it plays host to the final exercise of the intensely challenging British Army Platoon Commander's Battle Course.
Cyprus
The British sovereign bases at Episkopi and Dhekelia serve as critical locations where the British Army maintains its troops, always primed to support the UK's intervention during any regional crises.
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Contributions from the British Army also extend to backing local policing efforts through counter-poaching activities and dispatching troops to join the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus as part of Operation TOSCA, aiding in maintaining peace and stability on the island.
Kenya
The British Army Training Unit Kenya represents the UK's largest assembly of military personnel in Africa, making its home at Laikipia Air Base.
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The force frequently carries out joint training exercises with the Kenyan Defence Forces. Additionally, they participate in outreach and engagement programmes such as aiding in reforestation efforts and setting up temporary medical clinics in remote areas.
These clinics provide healthcare services to thousands of patients in regions where regular access to medical care is limited.
Brunei
British Forces Brunei is backed by a battalion of the British Army's Royal Gurkha Rifles. This base provides a unique environment for military training due to its jungle terrain, positioning the battalion as one of the world's leading specialists in jungle warfare.
Furthermore, British Forces Brunei are always ready to contribute to regional peace and security, regularly training to deliver humanitarian assistance and disaster relief during crises.