UK has deployed 1st Battalion Lancs to Bosnia, Defence Secretary announces in Berlin
The UK has deployed 1st Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment to Bosnia and Herzegovina to contribute to security and resilience across the Western Balkans, the Defence Secretary has revealed in Berlin.
At a meeting of defence leaders from the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Poland, known as the E5 group, John Healey also announced an extension to counter-drone specialist support to Belgium after recent drone threats.
1st Battalion Lancs' deployment to Bosnia will see them train alongside Bosnia and Herzegovina's armed forces, with the drills focusing on infantry tactics, leadership, chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defence (CBRN), and improving interoperability with Nato.
All of the E5 countries will be involved in the deployment to Bosnia and Herzegovina to boost security and stability in the region.
"A new era of threat requires a new era for defence, which is why the UK is stepping up alongside European partners to deter aggression and invest in security," Mr Healey said.
"From counter-drone and air policing operations to exercises with allies, we are ensuring Britain is secure at home and strong abroad."
The UK played a key role in restoring peace to the Western Balkans during the conflicts of the 1990s, with 72 British personnel dying in the fight to bring peace to the region.
Alongside the deployment to Bosnia and Herzegovina, 12 Regiment Royal Artillery have been sent to Finland for Exercise Mallet Strike, which included live firing Starstreak missiles to destroy drones.
Mr Healey also laid out further UK Armed Forces activity with E5 allies, including Exercise Gualish with France, Exercise Falcon Strike with Italy, and Nato Eastern Sentry air policing operation to defend Poland's airspace.
The E5 group, which first met last year, combines Europe's biggest defence spenders to cooperate and bolster security across the continent.
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