More than 1,000 British troops have begun one of the largest
exercises this year in the Balkans, showing the UK's commitment
to the region's security.
The training will develop the UK's ability to operate alongside
NATO allies and underlines Britain's commitment to eastern
Europe.
With 18 activities taking place across three months, one of the
standout training exercises under Operation Chelonia involves the
UK's deployment of troops to Kosovo. These troops arrived via
amphibious landing on a beach with no established infrastructure,
via a world-leading motorised floating platform.
This training exercise takes place close to Pasha Liman Naval
Base in Southern Albania.
Minister for the Armed Forces 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 landing was led by the Strategic Reserve Force (SRF), a group
of 600 Army personnel held at readiness to deploy at two weeks'
notice should pressures in the region escalate. In 2024, the SRF
is led by the 1st Battalion of the Royal Yorkshire Regiment.
The scenario required the services of the Mexeflote, a
world-leading modular motorised floating platform that can dock
on the stern ramp of a ship, load with heavy military hardware
(including trucks and main battle tanks if required), ferry the
cargo to the beach and enable the cargo to be unloaded.
To put into context the scale of the operation, 26,000 linear
metres of vehicles and equipment were landed on the beach. All
equipment was brought to Albania from the UK aboard the 13,500
tonne Ro-Ro vessel, Hartland Point.
The Royal Air Force have also undertaken training in the region
to ensure all personnel have the training they need to keep us
secure at home and strong abroad.
The British Army have previously deployed at pace in Kosovo, with
200 personnel from the (1st battalion) of the Princess of Wales'
Royal Regiment (PWRR) sent to the country last year under NATO
command, following an increase in tensions in the north of the
country.
Other nations involved in these key exercises with the UK include
Serbia, Romania, Kosovo, Georgia, Croatia, and Moldova.
This exercise reaffirms the UK's commitment to our allies in the
region. Whilst 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.
