The UK's commitment to NATO and ability to respond at pace and at
scale has been strengthened as the British Army successfully
returns from Exercise Steadfast Dart – the largest NATO
deployment this year, so far.
Hundreds of military vehicles and equipment from 7 Light
Mechanised Brigade Combat Team will arrive back in the UK
through the Port of Immingham, the first operational use of
a new strategic agreement between the British Army and Associated
British Ports (ABP).
This new agreement allows the UK Armed Forces to use multiple
ports across the country, enhancing flexibility in deploying and
bringing home military assets. Previously only being able to use
the to the Sea Mounting Centre at Marchwood, this new
approach delivers significant strategic advantages, reducing
transit times, improving efficiency, and enabling a faster
and more sustainable military response in support of NATO
operations. It's another example of the government ensuring that
the UK is secure at home and strong abroad for decades to
come.
The UK supplied the largest contribution of forces to
exercise Steadfast Dart with over 2600 personnel, and 730
vehicles deploying to NATO's eastern flank, reaffirming the UK's
unshakeable commitment to our NATO allies. 730 vehicles including
Foxhound and Jackals were deployed by road, air, and sea to
Eastern Europe where they conducted two exercises reinforcing the
alliance's eastern flank.
Minister for the Armed
Forces, said:
“The success of Exercise Steadfast Dart demonstrates the strength
of NATO's collective defence and the UK's unwavering commitment
to the Alliance.
“The ability to deploy and recover our forces more efficiently is
a game-changer, ensuring we remain ready to deter and respond to
threats at pace and continue to make Britain secure at home and
strong abroad for decades to come.”
The arrival of the MOD's strategic RO-RO vessel, Eddystone,
at the Port of Immingham this weekend, marks a major step forward
in the UK's ability to deploy at pace and at scale globally. The
use of additional port infrastructure strengthens military
readiness and enhances the UK's contribution to NATO's rapid
response capabilities.
The successful completion of Exercise Steadfast Dart reaffirms
the UK's role as a leading NATO ally, ready to respond rapidly to
emerging threats and contribute to the security of Europe and the
wider world.
Steadfast Dart was an exercise which included the deployment
of the new Allied Reaction Force, which can rapidly reinforce
NATO's eastern flank. These important exercises showcased the
Alliance's readiness, capability, and commitment to defend every
inch of NATO territory.
Keeping the country safe is the Government's first priority, and
an integral part of its Plan for Change. The work of the Royal
Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force, is critical to the
security and stability of the UK, supporting all of the
Government's five missions in its plan.
