More than 1,000 British troops have commenced one of the largest military exercises in the Balkans this year, as part of a significant show of the UK’s commitment to regional security. The exercises, which form part of Operation Chelonia, are taking place across three months and will enhance the UK’s ability to operate alongside NATO allies in eastern Europe.
Key Takeaways
- Over 1,000 British troops deployed for Operation Chelonia.
- Amphibious landing in Kosovo using the Mexeflote platform.
- Involvement of 26,000 linear meters of military equipment.
- Participation from multiple NATO allies, including Serbia and Romania.
One of the key highlights of the training involves a deployment of UK troops to Kosovo via an amphibious landing. The troops utilized a motorized floating platform, the Mexeflote, which enabled the transportation of heavy military hardware, including trucks and tanks, to a beach with no established infrastructure near the Pasha Liman Naval Base in southern Albania.
Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard, emphasized the importance of these exercises, stating: “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.”
The Strategic Reserve Force (SRF), consisting of 600 Army personnel, led the landing. The SRF is a rapid deployment force kept on standby to respond within two weeks if tensions in the region escalate. This year, the 1st Battalion of the Royal Yorkshire Regiment is leading the SRF. The scale of the operation is significant, with 26,000 linear meters of vehicles and equipment being transported to Albania aboard the 13,500-tonne Ro-Ro vessel, Hartland Point.
The Royal Air Force has also been involved in the training exercises, working alongside the British Army to ensure all personnel are prepared for operations both at home and abroad. The exercises, which include participation from countries such as Serbia, Romania, Kosovo, Georgia, Croatia, and Moldova, reaffirm the UK’s commitment to supporting regional stability.
Pollard added: “Working closely with our NATO partners, we are demonstrating our combined efforts to safeguard peace, stability, and security in the region.”
As tensions remain high due to Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, the UK’s presence in the Balkans is seen as a critical part of maintaining stability and supporting NATO allies in the region. The exercises also follow last year’s deployment of 200 personnel from the 1st Battalion of the Princess of Wales’ Royal Regiment to Kosovo under NATO command, following increased tensions in the north of the country.
The Ministry of Defence stated: “This exercise reaffirms the UK’s commitment to our allies in the region. While Putin continues his illegal and reckless invasion of Ukraine and aggressive posturing, it is vital that the UK works consistently alongside our NATO allies to display a united front of our collective strength. From our continued presence in Kosovo to our counter-disinformation support in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the UK remains completely committed to upholding democracy and supporting our allies in the Western Balkans.
Sources
- Over 1,000 British troops deploy to Balkans to deter Russia, UK Defence Journal.
- UK troops join NATO exercise in Balkans, ThePrint.
