The UK has committed to strengthening the defence of Estonia’s border with Russia, with thousands of troops from the Army’s 4 Brigade to be held at high readiness – in addition to the 1,000 already currently deployed to the country.
It was agreed in a joint declaration, signed at a meeting of Nato defence ministers in Brussels, which also pledged to strengthen cooperation over missiles.
Defence Secretary John Healey is stepping up the development of missile defence as the UK leads the new so-called Diamond (Delivering Integrated Air and Missile Operational Networked Defences) initiative, to create new long-range weapons and improve how European Nato allies coordinate collective air defence.
The UK is to maintain its permanently stationed battlegroup in Estonia and, from July 2025, 4 Brigade will be on standby to deploy to the country within 10 days if called up.
4th Light Mechanised Brigade Combat Team (4 LBCT), based at Bourlon Barracks, North Yorkshire, is an agile force, specialising in operating in the challenging Estonian terrain.
‘The Black Rats’ are the lead light brigade in the newly formed Joint Expeditionary Force (Land), to provide a scalable and widely adaptable non-standing force for small to medium operations.
In future years the Army plans to deploy its most advanced tank, Challenger 3, to Nato’s eastern border – a first for these new platforms – as well as armoured carriers including Boxer infantry vehicles.
If needed, the brigade can also be reinforced by key bits of equipment including helicopters, short-range air defence and guided multiple rocket launchers.
Arriving at Nato headquarters in Brussels, Mr Healey said: “Today, we will make the commitment to reinforce Nato’s eastern flank with a new plan alongside Estonia for our forces there.
“And we will make a commitment, a UK commitment, to bolstering the future of Europe’s defences, leading a new initiative to get together the European air defence systems and to work together with other European allies to develop long-range missiles.
“This is part of the UK’s new determination to work more closely with other European allies on security for the future, and Europe’s security is guaranteed by this Nato alliance.”