20,000 British troops to be deployed across northern Europe next year
The Prime Minister has confirmed that more than 20,000 British soldiers, sailors and marines will be deployed across northern Europe next year.
Eight Royal Navy ships, 25 fast jets and an aviation task force of Apache, Chinook and Wildcat helicopters will also be based in the region.
The Prime Minister made the announcement whilst meeting with Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) partners in Gotland, Sweden.
JEF leaders discussed the challenges facing the region, as well as the situation in Israel.
It is hoped the additional British troops in northern Europe will help deepen co-operation on tackling hybrid threats and protect critical national infrastructure with JEF partners.
Mr Sunak said that Putin's failures in Ukraine were emboldening Russia's irresponsible behaviour in other parts of Europe and that allies and partners should not be "lulled into a false sense of security" despite Russia's significant losses.
His warning came after damage was detected earlier this week to two pipelines between Estonia and Finland, and HMS Queen Elizabeth was forced to launch fast jets from her deck in the Arctic last week to escort Russian Maritime Patrol Aircraft that flew close to the Carrier Strike Group operating in the region.
The group – which is led by flagship HMS Queen Elizabeth and accompanied by five British ships, F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter jets and Wildcat helicopters – will continue to be based in the region for its autumn deployment, underlining the UK's commitment to the area.
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