Defence Online

UK to step up commitment to European security

Air November 13, 2017

The UK is increasing its commitment to European security as the Defence Secretary announces a package of support to stand by our allies.

Speaking at the NATO Defence Ministerial in Brussels, Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said the UK will commit four RAF Typhoons to the Southern Air Policing mission in Romania next summer. Following a successful rotation last summer, the fast jets will be redeployed to the country, working with our Romanian allies to police the Black Sea skies.

The Defence Secretary also announced that the UK is stepping up in the Western Balkans. In addition to the troops already based in Kosovo, supporting peace in the country, and our contribution to the EU’s Op Althea in Bosnia and Herzegovina, from next year a Battalion will be held at high readiness to respond to any situation in the region. This will see 600 soldiers ready to move into the region at short notice.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “In the face of an increasingly assertive Russia, the UK has significantly stepped up its commitment to Europe and today I can confirm a further package of support, showing how we remain at the forefront on European security.

“We are standing by our allies across air; deploying Typhoons to Southern Air Policing in Romania, land; increasing our support to the Kosovo peacekeeping operation, and sea; with HMS Ocean returning to the NATO Standing Maritime Group.”

image © Crown Copyright

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Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson RAF

Post written by: Matt Brown