Hundreds of UK military personnel deployed to NATO's eastern
flank to add critical firepower to a major NATO exercise in
Northern Finland.
Exercise Northern Strike will see the UK Armed Forces join
thousands of personnel from Finland and Sweden, NATO's two newest
Allies. The show of force and firepower reinforces the Alliance's
readiness, capability, and commitment to defend every inch of
NATO territory. This is the latest demonstration of strong
collaboration between the UK and our international partners as
set out in the government's Plan for Change.
New British Army AH64E Apache attack helicopters will fire
Hellfire missiles and 30mm guns simulating close support to
allied combat forces on the ground, including British Army
infantry units.
Bringing their cutting-edge rocket systems to the battlefield,
The British Army's 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery will
fire their Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) throughout and
put their troops to the test during a field training exercise.
MLRS has been proven in battle in the war in Ukraine and this
will be the first time the British Army fire the system on
European soil alongside AH64E Apache helicopters.
Minister for the Armed Forces, 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's 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.
Deepening partnerships with key Allies across the exercise
is a key part of this Government's NATO first policy, to ensure
the UK is secure at home and strong abroad. Strengthening NATO by
showcasing our capabilities and increasing interoperability
assures our allies and deters our adversaries.
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.
Operated by 4 Regiment, Army Air Corps, the Apache Helicopters
also support jobs across the country at the Army Aviation Centre
in Hampshire and Suffolk. UK industry also plays a key role with
75 British companies, including 33 SMEs also contributing a range
of critical components to the aircraft.
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.
