This Christmas, Defence Secretary John Healey MP visited British Army personnel deployed in Estonia to personally thank them for their dedication and service. Around 10,000 members of the
UK Armed Forces, including sailors, marines, soldiers, and aviators, are spending the holiday season overseas, safeguarding the UK and its allies while missing celebrations with their loved ones.
Despite the festive season, the Armed Forces continue to operate on 60 missions across 44 countries. Additionally, hundreds of personnel remain stationed within the UK to protect its skies, shores, and seas.
In Estonia, 900 British troops are stationed as part of NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence, working alongside French and Estonian forces to deter aggression and maintain stability in Eastern Europe. The Defence Secretary’s visit underscored the UK’s steadfast commitment to NATO and its role in ensuring the security of the alliance.
Paying tribute to deployed troops
During the visit, John Healey MP said:
«In a world in which global insecurities are rising, we depend more and more on those who are willing to serve. And those who are willing to serve are supported by the families that stand with them and behind them.
This Christmas, I pay special tribute to those 10,000 military personnel who are deployed overseas, many of them not seeing family and loved ones at this important time.
It was an honour to spend time with some of those troops in Estonia, to serve them Christmas lunch and thank them for their commitment and professionalism. This week they will sacrifice what most of us take for granted, that special time with our families, to ensure that our nation is safe.
Our British deployment in Estonia demonstrates our unshakeable commitment to NATO and the security of Europe, keeping us secure at home and strong abroad. Our presence here is a powerful message to our allies and adversaries: the UK stands ready to defend its allies and uphold our shared values, all year round».
Embracing innovation with project ASGARD
The visit also highlighted Project ASGARD, an initiative aimed at integrating emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, drones, and advanced sensors, to enhance the operational capabilities of UK Armed Forces. This programme will advance the military’s ability to gather intelligence, process information rapidly, and respond decisively on the battlefield. Key developments are expected to continue through 2025.
Strengthening NATO collaboration
The UK’s relationship with Estonia remains central to NATO’s defence strategy. British forces in Estonia contribute significantly to the alliance’s presence along its eastern flank. A recent defence agreement between the two nations further solidifies this partnership, with the UK’s 4th Brigade Combat Team ready to deploy rapidly in times of crisis starting in 2025. This agreement also includes the deployment of the UK’s Challenger 3 tanks and Boxer armoured vehicles, bolstering NATO’s defensive strength.
Additionally, the UK is spearheading the DIAMOND initiative, which aims to enhance NATO’s integrated air and missile defence systems across Europe.
Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, Chief of the Defence Staff, expressed his gratitude:
«Thank you to all our Armed Forces personnel for your extraordinary hard work this year.
From delivering the nuclear deterrent and policing NATO skies, to training Ukrainian recruits and protecting merchant shipping in the Red Sea, the Armed Forces have stepped up to deliver all that the nation asks of us.
I am immensely grateful to those deployed away from home over the festive season and wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year».
Protecting the UK at home
Even within the UK, Armed Forces personnel remain on duty over Christmas. Royal Air Force aviators at RAF Boulmer and NATS Swanwick are prepared to deploy Typhoon aircraft from RAF Coningsby and RAF Lossiemouth to intercept hostile aircraft approaching UK airspace. Meanwhile, cyber experts at the Ministry of Defence’s digital headquarters in Corsham continue to guard against relentless cyber threats, ensuring the integrity of vital digital networks.
The Royal Navy maintains its vigilance as well, with ships patrolling the UK’s seas and a nuclear submarine providing the nation’s continuous nuclear deterrent — a mission that has run uninterrupted for 55 years.
Lastly, the British Army’s Household Division continues its ceremonial duties, guarding royal palaces in London throughout the festive period.
This Christmas, the sacrifices of the UK Armed Forces underline their unwavering dedication to keeping the nation safe at home and abroad. Photo: Cpl Rigg/MOD, Wikimedia commons.