Latest news with #OperationCabrit
Daily Record
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Record
British Army's eight global deployments as UK's 108,000-strong force readies for war
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. 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. 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. 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. 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." 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 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. 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 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. 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. 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.
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Prince William wears battle gear on visit to British troops in Estonia
TAPA, Estonia (Reuters) - Prince William donned battle gear to visit British troops in Estonia on Friday on a trip aimed at underlining his country's support for NATO operations in Eastern Europe. William, heir to the British throne and eldest son of King Charles, was in Tapa camp, around 200 km (125 miles) from the Russian border, inspecting infantry fighting vehicles and riding on a tank wearing full, camouflaged military fatigues. Britain has about 900 troops in Estonia and Poland as part of 'Operation Cabrit', the British contribution to the expansion of NATO's forces on the alliance's eastern flank following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The prince's two-day visit came as Britain and other European allies are ramping up defence spending in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's calls for other NATO nations to contribute more to Europe's security. William was pictured standing in front of rounds of barbed wire and in front of plumes of yellow smoke as he observed a trench clearance exercise. He also oversaw a handover ceremony from the Royal Dragoon Guards who have just finished their deployment at Tapa to the Mercian Regiment who are starting their six-month tour. He is Colonel-in-Chief of the Mercian Regiment. "From field training to weapon systems operation, this deployment is key! So brilliant to see the dedication and expertise of our troops in action," William's Kensington Palace office posted on X. The symbolic visit was William's first trip to the Baltic state. Two years ago, he visited British soldiers in Poland who were involved in providing support to Ukraine. He was due to hear from soldiers about their experiences of being on deployment and discuss mental wellbeing with the army's welfare support officers.
Reuters
21-03-2025
- Politics
- Reuters
Prince William wears battle gear on visit to British troops in Estonia
TAPA, Estonia, March 21 (Reuters) - Prince William donned battle gear to visit British troops in Estonia on Friday on a trip aimed at underlining his country's support for NATO operations in Eastern Europe. William, heir to the British throne and eldest son of King Charles, was in Tapa camp, around 200 km (125 miles) from the Russian border, inspecting infantry fighting vehicles and riding on a tank wearing full, camouflaged military fatigues. Britain has about 900 troops in Estonia and Poland as part of 'Operation Cabrit', the British contribution to the expansion of NATO's forces on the alliance's eastern flank following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The prince's two-day visit came as Britain and other European allies are ramping up defence spending in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's calls for other NATO nations to contribute more to Europe's security. William was pictured standing in front of rounds of barbed wire and in front of plumes of yellow smoke as he observed a trench clearance exercise. He also oversaw a handover ceremony from the Royal Dragoon Guards who have just finished their deployment at Tapa to the Mercian Regiment who are starting their six-month tour. He is Colonel-in-Chief of the Mercian Regiment. "From field training to weapon systems operation, this deployment is key! So brilliant to see the dedication and expertise of our troops in action," William's Kensington Palace office posted on X. The symbolic visit was William's first trip to the Baltic state. Two years ago, he visited British soldiers in Poland who were involved in providing support to Ukraine. He was due to hear from soldiers about their experiences of being on deployment and discuss mental wellbeing with the army's welfare support officers.
The Independent
21-03-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
William to meet British troops defending Estonia against the threat of Russia
The Prince of Wales will ride in a Challenger tank when he meets British soldiers defending Estonia against Russian aggression as part of Nato forces. William is Colonel-in-Chief of the Mercian Regiment and will meet soldiers from his regiment who are taking over Nato duties in Estonia from the Royal Dragoon Guards. The future king will take part in a handover ceremony and join troops training in trench warfare during his time at Tapa military base in Estonia. UK troops lead a battlegroup in Estonia, and the 900 British service personnel in the country are the UK's largest permanent overseas deployment. Russia is seen as a growing threat in the region following its three-year-long invasion of Ukraine, with the Baltic states – Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia – which border Russian President Vladimir Putin's nation appearing increasingly concerned. British forces are deployed to Estonia and Poland under Operation Cabrit, the UK's contribution to Nato's Forward Land Forces in the two countries. During his time at the military base, the prince will also meet Estonian troops and visit the welfare team to learn about the emotional and mental wellbeing support that is available to UK soldiers William will end his two-day visit to Estonia by meeting Mercian troops and their Nato allies in the informal space of the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes' shop and canteen.
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
William to meet British troops defending Estonia against the threat of Russia
The Prince of Wales will ride in a Challenger tank when he meets British soldiers defending Estonia against Russian aggression as part of Nato forces. William is Colonel-in-Chief of the Mercian Regiment and will meet soldiers from his regiment who are taking over Nato duties in Estonia from the Royal Dragoon Guards. The future king will take part in a handover ceremony and join troops training in trench warfare during his time at Tapa military base in Estonia. UK troops lead a battlegroup in Estonia, and the 900 British service personnel in the country are the UK's largest permanent overseas deployment. Russia is seen as a growing threat in the region following its three-year-long invasion of Ukraine, with the Baltic states – Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia – which border Russian President Vladimir Putin's nation appearing increasingly concerned. British forces are deployed to Estonia and Poland under Operation Cabrit, the UK's contribution to Nato's Forward Land Forces in the two countries. During his time at the military base, the prince will also meet Estonian troops and visit the welfare team to learn about the emotional and mental wellbeing support that is available to UK soldiers William will end his two-day visit to Estonia by meeting Mercian troops and their Nato allies in the informal space of the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes' shop and canteen.
