Over 1,000 British troops have embarked on one of the largest military exercises of the year in the Balkans, underscoring the UK’s dedication to regional security and its ongoing commitment to
NATO allies in eastern Europe.
The exercise, part of Operation Chelonia, is designed to enhance the UK’s capability to operate seamlessly alongside NATO partners. It features 18 activities over three months, with one of the most notable drills involving a UK deployment to Kosovo. British troops executed an amphibious landing on a remote beach with no established infrastructure, utilizing a state-of-the-art motorised floating platform.
This significant exercise is taking place near the Pasha Liman Naval Base in southern Albania.
Minister for the Armed Forces Luke Pollard said: “These exercises show our unwavering commitment to standing united with our allies and working hand in hand to boost our collective security. The UK has always had a major presence in the Western Balkans, and it’s important we demonstrate a united front to ensure regional security. Working closely with our NATO partners, we are demonstrating our combined efforts to safeguard peace, stability, and security in the region”.
The operation was led by the Strategic Reserve Force (SRF), comprising 600 Army personnel prepared to deploy within two weeks should tensions in the region escalate. In 2024, the SRF is led by the 1st Battalion of the Royal Yorkshire Regiment.
Key to the operation was the use of the Mexeflote, a cutting-edge modular motorised floating platform capable of transporting heavy military equipment, including trucks and tanks, from ships to shore. In total, 26,000 linear metres of vehicles and equipment were transported to the Albanian coast using the 13,500-tonne Ro-Ro vessel, Hartland Point.
The Royal Air Force has also been conducting training exercises in the region, ensuring personnel are fully equipped to maintain security both at home and abroad.
The UK’s involvement in the Balkans is not new. Last year, 200 soldiers from the 1st Battalion of the Princess of Wales’ Royal Regiment were rapidly deployed to Kosovo under NATO command due to rising tensions in the north of the country.
In addition to the UK, other nations participating in these key exercises include Serbia, Romania, Kosovo, Georgia, Croatia, and Moldova.
This large-scale exercise reinforces the UK's steadfast commitment to its allies in the region, especially in light of Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine and aggressive actions. The UK remains dedicated to standing with NATO allies, from its ongoing presence in Kosovo to providing counter-disinformation support in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the continued effort to uphold democracy and regional security. Photo: Corporal Andrew Morris (RAF)/MOD, Wikimedia commons.