As 2025 draws to a close, we reflect on a year marked by operational excellence, international partnership, enhanced capability and commitment to NATO allies.
Strengthening NATO's eastern flank
In May, over 3,000 British troops deployed to Estonia for Exercise Hedgehog, the largest demonstration of the Army's commitment to NATO's eastern frontier. Led by 4th Light Brigade Combat Team, 'The Black Rats', British forces rapidly deployed by road, rail, sea and air in under 48 hours - a powerful demonstration of the Army's ability to reinforce allies bordering Russia.
“We’re here to help Estonia and give them the reassurance that, as part of NATO, we’re here and we’re not going anywhere.”
The exercise involved 17,000 troops from 12 NATO nations, with British soldiers building defensive trench positions mirroring those used in Ukraine, whilst facing simulated drone attacks and coordinating with Challenger 2 tanks, Apache helicopters and cutting-edge communications systems. Kingsman Amelia McCauley of 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment said: "We're here to help Estonia and give them the reassurance that, as part of NATO, we're here and we're not going anywhere."
Advancing medical capability
August saw the introduction of the Combat Life Saver role, replacing the previous Team Medic position with enhanced, NATO-standard training. The new five-day course - double the previous length - enables non-medical soldiers to perform advanced procedures including needle chest decompression, previously restricted to combat medics.
"This course creates a multiplier effect for life-saving skills across the Army."
WO2 Aaron Wrigley from 16 Medical Regiment explained: "This course creates a multiplier effect for life-saving skills across the Army. By training the trainers, we're ensuring critical medical knowledge reaches more personnel on the front line."
Ceremonial honours and heritage
July brought a rare ceremonial honour when Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) became only the third non-UK unit in history to serve as The King's Life Guard at Horse Guards. The prestigious 10-day posting, approved by His Majesty The King, celebrated the Canadian regiment's 125th anniversary and reinforced the enduring bond between the two nations.
Embracing modernisation
October highlighted the Army's technological evolution as 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland trained with cutting-edge uncrewed systems and artificial intelligence in Latvia during Exercise Forest Guardian. Working alongside industry partners, soldiers integrated advanced command and control systems, including Cobalt and Ghost X, enhancing decision-making speed against adversaries.
Testing endurance and developing leaders
The year also showcased individual excellence. In May, soldiers from the Royal Corps of Signals tackled the gruelling 40-mile Lanyard Trophy competition, with 216 (Para) Signal Squadron winning in just over 12 hours.
“The Army has given me the confidence to take on challenges I never thought I could handle.”
In August, Second Lieutenant Sophie Brining, 2nd Battalion The Rifles, exemplified modern Army opportunity through the Officer Internship Programme, combining university studies with deployments across ten countries, including participating in NATO exercises and making history by helping the first all-female infantry team win the Army Nordic Skiing Championships. Sophie said: “The Army has given me the confidence to take on challenges I never thought I could handle.”
As 2025 concludes, the British Army stands ready, modern and committed to defending freedom alongside our allies. If you would like to find out more about joining either the full-time Regular Army or the part-time Army Reserve, click here.
British troops team up with Finland for epic arctic training
