Defence Online

UK strengthens its commitment to NATO with Estonian deployment

Air February 19, 2019

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has announced that Wildcat and Apache helicopters are to be deployed to Estonia this year at a meeting of NATO Defence Ministers in Brussels.

The Army aircraft will provide aviation training opportunities to NATO allies on Estonia’s annual Exercise Spring Storm as well as to the UK-led battlegroup on NATO enhanced Forward Presence.

The helicopter deployment will increase the UK’s contingent to around 1,000 personnel in the Baltics, making the UK the largest contributor to NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence – further reinforcing the Alliance’s deterrence and defence posture.

At NATO HQ, Mr Williamson discussed a range of issues with counterparts – noting the continued progress being made by allies on defence spending and encouraging others to follow the example set out by the UK.

He also took the opportunity to welcome Macedonia as the latest member of the Alliance, recognising their accession as a positive for the Western Balkans region and for Euro-Atlantic security. Belgium’s contribution to the UK-led enhanced Forward Presence battlegroup in Estonia this year was similarly welcomed by the Defence Secretary.

The Defence Secretary said: “Whenever the call comes from NATO, the UK has always been ready to reach into its full spectrum of capabilities and offer its support.

“That’s why we’re bolstering training in Estonia by deploying some of the world’s most advanced helicopters to the country.”

image © Crown Copyright

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Post written by: Matt Brown