Army
NATO Tests New Very High Readiness Task Force
Russia says it will beef up forces along its western border if America decides to store heavy weapons in Baltic and eastern European countries.
It follows remarks by Poland's Defence minister, who says the US is close to making a decision.
NATO members are currently taking part in a rapid deployment exercise in the region.
WHAT IT ALL MEANS...
At present, America has no main battle tanks permanently stationed in Europe
NATO signed an agreement with Russia in 1997 forbidding the permanent stationing of combat troops east of Germany.
1,000 US Fighting Vehicles could however be stored on the border with Russia
250 of which would be US tanks & heavy armour including the Abrams M1.
If the armoured brigade needed activating US troops would be flown in.
Russia may respond by speeding up the deployment of Iskander missile systems to its Kaliningrad enclave, bordering Lithuania and Poland.
More from Forces TV: Coldstream Guards Take Part In NATO Exercise
Watch: NATO BALTOPS 2015 Video
Thousands of military personnel are taking part in a multinational exercise involving 49 ships, 61 aircraft, 1 submarine, and a combined landing force of 700 troops.17 NATO Allies and partner nations are participating in BALTOPS 2015, which takes place in Poland, Sweden, Germany, and throughout the Baltic Sea.
Posted by NATO on Monday, 15 June 2015
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