Overseas training exercises to be scaled back as focus shifts to Nato commitments

The Ministry of Defence has announced the UK's Armed Forces will reduce the number of overseas training exercises from as early as next year. 

Responding to a parliamentary question on future training plans, Armed Forces Minister Al Carns said the single services remain "committed" to prioritising overseas training but must balance with "both our own and partners' operational needs, as well as the priorities outlined in the Strategic Defence Review".

The announced adjustment comes as the MOD shifts its focus towards meeting Nato commitments in the Euro-Atlantic and Arctic regions and enhancing its high-end warfighting capabilities. 

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A shift of focus 

Mr Carns said that from next year, the Army, in collaboration with international partners, will begin to scale back its overseas training exercises.  

Similarly, the Royal Navy will scale back its participation in overseas training outside Europe, the Atlantic and Arctic theatres over the next four years. 

Mr Carns said this shift reflects its "evolving global posture", aimed at supporting "modernisation efforts and prioritising this theatre as part of Nato and homeland defence".

No reduction has been announced for the RAF, although the minister stated that all services will continue aligning their training output to Strategic Defence Review priorities.

By 2027 and 2028, Mr Carns said he anticipates an increase in participation and support for Nato, perhaps signalling a relocation of manpower, rather than a reduction in overall activity.