British soldiers have deployed close to the Russian border as they stage a show of force towards Vladimir Putin. Operating as part of a NATO taskforce, hundreds of British troops joined thousands of personnel from Finland and Sweden, NATO’s two newest Allies, in conducting drills as part of Exercise Northern Strike.
Based in Northern Finland, the exercise aims to develop the ability of NATO nations to operate together and will see British Army AH64E Apache attack helicopters fire Hellfire missiles and its 30mm gun to simulate close support to forces on the ground. Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard MP, said: “Exercise Northern Strike demonstrates our unshakeable commitment to NATO and highlights the key capabilities the UK brings to the Alliance. This government’s commitment to increasing defence spending to 2.5% of GDP from April 2027 ensures the UK strength and leadership.”
“From the skies over Poland, to the northern reaches of Finland the UK is standing shoulder to shoulder with our allies in leading the way in defending NATO’s eastern flank.
“Working with our international partners is at the core of this government’s Plan for Change.
On the ground, infantry troops and support arms have exercised their ability to fight in within the Arctic Circle as part of a combined force, just 70 miles from the Russian border.
Exercise Northern Strike is part of a wider operation to secure NATO’s eastern flank; Operation RAZOREDGE.
RAZOREDGE is made up of 13 exercises involving 13 NATO allies across 6 countries. The UK has contributed assets across air, land and sea with over 6,000 UK personnel taking part alongside 16,500 allied troops.
Brigadier Nick English, the commander of the British Army’s 1st Aviation Brigade Combat Team, told Newsweek: “This is a really obvious demonstration of how NATO capability can come to Finland.
“You can’t ignore the fact that there’s a land war in Ukraine at the moment, and part of the role of NATO is in deterrence. In order to deter, you’ve got to be visible.”
The exercise comes just a month before a major NATO summit at which it is expected leaders and military officers will discuss how European nations will take on more responsibility for European security as the US pivots towards Asia and the growing threat of China.
