The UK Ministry of Defence has announced that the UK is deployed hundreds of troops, as well as aircraft and armour to the Netherlands as part of the biggest NATO’s Trident Juncture exercise in 2018.
In Norway, 2,700 UK personnel will contribute to the large-scale and complex exercise which will test NATO’s most important founding principle of collective defense in an article 5 scenario – when an attack on one is an attack on all.
With some 150 aircraft, 50,000 participants and 10,000 vehicles, this is the largest collective defence exercise NATO has conducted in over a decade.
“NATO is the bedrock of our defense where Britain plays a leading role. Whenever the call comes, the UK is foremost in stepping up to support our friends and allies across the globe,” said UK Defense Secretary Gavin Williamson.
Also, he noted that this exercise demonstrates the strength of the collective defense. “Together we are ready to tackle any threat, from any direction,” added Gavin Williamson.
EarlierBritish Army vehicles and equipment were loaded onto Channel Tunnel trains before arriving in The Netherlands today as part of the complex logistical task of transporting a Battlegroup to Norway – a journey that includes road, rail and ferry.
Members of the Royal Logistics Corps are lending their expertise in support of the road move while in Norway soldiers from the Royal Irish Regiment, the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment and supporting units will train together with NATO allies.
Total around 50,000 participants (land forces: 20,000; navy personnel: 24,000 (including U.S. Marines); 3,500 air personnel; 1,000 logistics specialist; 1,300 personnel from a range of NATO commands)
• 31 nations (all 29 NATO members + Finland and Sweden)
• 250 aircraft
• 65 vessels
• 10,000+ vehicles
Trident Juncture 2018 is a NATO-led high-visibility exercise to be held in Norway. This will be the largest military exercise in Norway since the 1980s.