Explore the Largest Deployment to Europe in 40 Years, Led by the British Army.
Steadfast Defender 24 stands as a testament to the strength and unity of NATO, with the British Army leading contributions to 11 exercises during the deployment. This historic deployment involves over 40,000 NATO personnel, 16,000 of which come from the British Army, marking the largest of its kind in the last four decades.
The exercises, spanning from Greece to Norway, demonstrate NATO's unwavering commitment to defend the alliance’s shared values.
History of Defender
The British Army’s involvement in Steadfast Defender 24 is deeply rooted in its commitment to collective defence and maintaining a unified stance with NATO.
Over the years the British Army’s participation in Steadfast Defender 24 has evolved as a crucial element in enhancing joint working with our allies and partners, honing and learning skills across the domains of land, sea, air, space and cyber.
Wildcats on the prowl in Estonia
True, the Apache AH-64E attack helicopter may well steal the lime light with its devastating fire power and menacing looks, and, of course, the evocative wokka-wokka signature note of the all too familiar twin rotor CH47 Chinook is mightily impressive as it swoops down to disgorge whatever lies within its belly; however, spare a thought and a few plaudits for their pint-sized battle space colleague, the Wildcat.
British Armour rolls in as Exercise Steadfast Defender 2024 gets underway in Poland
British troops and armoured vehicles have started training in Poland as part of NATO’s largest exercise in a generation.
By air to battle on Steadfast Defender
By parachute, helicopter and airlanding, the British Army’s global response force has shown how it could rapidly reinforce NATO troops in Estonia in the event of a crisis.
Paratroopers pack a punch on Swift Response
With support from Typhoon fighter jets, Apache AH-64E attack helicopters and artillery, paratroopers on a major NATO exercise in Estonia have shown the firepower they can bring to bear.
Helicopters take off for Steadfast Defender
The British Army’s new Apache AH-64E attack helicopter is spearheading the deployment of helicopters on NATO’s largest military exercise since the Cold War.
Global response force travels to Steadfast Defender
By road, rail, sea, and air, the British Army’s global response force has travelled to Estonia as part of major training to build NATO forces’ ability to operate side-by-side.
9 Regiment RLC delivers the goods on Exercise Steadfast Defender 24
Soldiers and Officers from 94 Supply Squadron, QOGLR and Zulu Troop 21 Squadron 9 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps, have ensured that British troops have had a consistent and efficient supply of food, fuel, ammunition, and parts, essential for the UK’s contribution to Exercise Steadfast Defender 24.
Speedy Army Chefs fuel the troops on Exercise Steadfast Defender
The healthy appetites of hundreds of hungry soldiers meeting deadlines on a massive NATO exercise has challenged Army and civilian chefs and given a new meaning to fast food.
Keeping the Army on the move on Exercise Steadfast Defender
Petroleum Operators who keep the Army on the go worldwide are deployed in Germany for the first phase of a major NATO exercise.
7 Brigade successfully crosses Poland’s Vistula River
British, German, Polish and French military engineers deploy their amphibious rigs in an impressive display of NATO capability.
Unique German-British amphibious engineer battalion put through its paces in Poland
Soldiers from the unique German-British Amphibious Engineer Battalion 130 have deployed with 27 M3 Amphibious Bridging Vehicles (M3 Rigs), to Poland's Vistula River, where they have been taking part in Exercise Dragon 24.
British Army sets sail to Europe for Exercise Steadfast Defender
NATO’s largest set of military manoeuvres since the height of the cold war, Exercise Steadfast Defender, began in earnest for the British Army as MV Anvil Point slipped her moorings near Southampton.
The British Army's Mission
The British Army's contribution to Steadfast Defender 24 is not just a demonstration of strength but a commitment to readiness and defence. Deploying over 16,000 personnel, the British Army will show the strength of the UK’s land forces' commitment to NATO and further enhance collaborative relations over the deployment.
Over 40,000 NATO personnel, including 16,000 from the British Army, participate in the largest deployment of its kind in 40 years.Celebrating 75 years since its founding, NATO emerges stronger than ever, exemplified by the scale and significance of Steadfast Defender 24. Proudly training alongside NATO allies, the British Army's contribution in Eastern Europe demonstrates cohesion with those who guard the alliance’s flanks.
Tens of thousands of troops from NATO and the Joint Expeditionary Force will participate, with the UK leading NATO's Allies Response Force for 2024. Witness the deployment of an impressive number of troops, armoured vehicles and tanks across countries, from Greece to Norway, highlighting the British Army's leading position within NATO.
Steadfast Defender 24 is more than an exercise; it's a reflection of NATO's enduring strength and unity. Explore the British Army's pivotal role in this historic deployment, reinforcing the alliance's commitment to defend and protect. Join us in celebrating 75 years of NATO's resilience and witness the future of collaborative defence in action.
Exercise Joint Viking
DEFENCE SECRETARY GRANT SHAPPS:
“We are proud to conduct training alongside our NATO allies. Steadfast Defender will see our joint contribution in eastern Europe working cohesively with allied nations. 75 years after it was founded, NATO is stronger than ever."
“NATO is the cornerstone of our defence. Supporting NATO is therefore a priority for our armed forces. We strive for excellence across all domains, taking part in Steadfast Defender will develop and hone skills in land, sea, air, space, and cyber defence.”