UK

UK troops placed on standby to defend Estonia against Russia under new pact

The Army’s 4th Brigade will be held at ‘high readiness’ in order to defend Nato’s eastern flank with Russia, under a new pact John Healey will sign.

British Army Apache AH-64E attack helicopters are prepared for take off
British Army Apache AH-64E attack helicopters are prepared for take off (Joe Giddens/PA)
By David Lynch, PA Political Correspondent

Thousands of UK troops will be put on standby to deploy to Estonia’s border with Russia under a new agreement Britain has signed with the Baltic nation.

Soldiers in the Army’s 4th Brigade will be held at “high readiness” in order to defend Nato’s eastern flank with Russia, under a new co-operation agreement John Healey will sign with his Estonian counterpart.

The announcement comes as Mr Healey meets with fellow Nato defence ministers in Brussels on Thursday, as war in Ukraine rumbles on.

At the meeting, Mr Healey is also expected to agree plans to lead the new Diamond initiative (Delivering Integrated Air and Missile Operational Networked Defences), aimed at integrating Nato member states’ missiles defences, while also developing new long-range weapons.

Some 1,000 British troops are already deployed in Estonia. If deployed, 4th Brigade troops – who are specialists in operating in Estonia’s Baltic terrain – could be sent there alongside helicopters and rocket launchers.

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Sir Keir Starmer visiting the Tapa Nato forward operating base in Estonia close to the Russian border alongside John Healey
Sir Keir Starmer visiting the Tapa Nato forward operating base in Estonia close to the Russian border alongside John Healey (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

The 4th Brigade, based at Bourlon Barracks, North Yorkshire, would be deployed within 10 days if called up to travel to Estonia under the plans.

The Army’s most advance tanks, the Challenger 3, as well as the Boxer armoured vehicle, could also be deployed in Estonia in future years.

Army brigades differ in size, but as many as 5,000 troops could be placed on standby under the pact, which will begin in July 2025.

Defence Secretary Mr Healey said: “As global threats increase, the UK’s unshakeable commitment to Nato has never been more important. We are boosting our support for Estonia, with thousands of troops ready to deploy rapidly to the Russian border.

“I recently visited our dedicated troops posted at the Nato front line in Estonia to thank them for their service in safeguarding Europe in the face of growing Russian aggression.

“These announcements reinforce our contribution to the NTO alliance for decades to come. We are working closely with partners to develop advanced defensive and offensive capabilities to protect our citizens whilst boosting industry, jobs and growth in the UK.”