In a significant demonstration of its commitment to NATO and European security, the UK will deploy thousands of personnel over the next two months to lead a major NATO exercise.
The UK is making the largest single contribution to the exercise, with over 2,600 personnel and 730 vehicles set to join NATO forces on its eastern flank. This will be the first deployment under NATO’s new Allied Reaction Force, designed for rapid reinforcement of the region in times of crisis.
Exercise Steadfast Dart 25: showcasing NATO readiness
Throughout January and February 2025, NATO will conduct Exercise Steadfast Dart 25, aimed at testing the readiness and deployment capabilities of the Allied Reaction Force. The exercise underscores NATO’s unwavering commitment to collective defence, ensuring preparedness to protect all member states.
The UK’s 1st Division will command NATO’s land forces during the exercise, reinforcing Britain’s long-standing leadership role in the Alliance. The exercise will involve personnel from ten NATO member states, operating across Romania and Bulgaria, and coincides with the anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard MP, emphasized the UK’s pivotal role:
“This Government is committed to making the UK NATO’s leading European nation. Exercise Steadfast Dart reflects our steadfast commitment to NATO and highlights Britain’s leadership within the Alliance. As we mark three years since Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, strengthening our collective defence is essential to deterring future aggression.”
Strengthening NATO’s defensive capabilities
Enhancing coordination and interoperability among NATO members is a core objective of the exercise. The ability to deploy high-readiness forces across land, air, and sea ensures that the Alliance can respond effectively to emerging threats.
The newly established Allied Reaction Force will play a key role in NATO’s deterrence strategy, enabling member nations to mobilize and operate together at unprecedented speed. This enhanced capability is vital for bolstering security and stability in Europe.
Deployment details
The UK’s contribution includes 730 vehicles, such as Foxhound and Jackal armoured vehicles, which will be transported to Eastern Europe by road, air, and sea. These forces will participate in two major exercises before returning to the UK at the end of February.
This deployment is part of the Government’s broader security strategy, ensuring that the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force remain integral to national and international stability. Strengthening defence partnerships and maintaining a high level of readiness will help safeguard UK interests and support NATO’s mission to protect and deter. Photo by Gertrud Zach, Wikimedia commons.