Operation Cabrit: How the British Army helps defend Nato's European flank

Operation Cabrit is Britain's contribution to Nato's Forward Land Forces in Estonia and Poland – but what exactly does the UK bring to the table?

Made up of a variety of British Army regiments, the operation oversees nearly 1,000 troops who have been deployed across both countries to defend the alliance's flank in Eastern Europe.

These territories are key to protecting Nato allies, with their importance highlighted by the growing threat emerging from Russia.

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Origins

In 2016, a force of British soldiers was deployed to secure Nato’s flank in Estonia and provide a reconnaissance capability in Poland.

Operation Cabrit works alongside multiple Nato members across Europe, including Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and the United States.

The scheme was set up to show the strength of the alliance through unity and collective defence against outside threats.

Estonia

The British military deployment to Estonia, which borders Russia, is part of the enhanced Forward Presence (eFP).

There are currently 900 British soldiers stationed in the country, made up of troops of the King's Royal Hussars armoured regiment, the Royal Lancers armoured cavalry regiment of 1 Deep Reconnaissance Strike Brigade and The Rifles.

The UK soldiers work alongside their Danish, French and Estonian counterparts on a continuous rotation to ensure the flank is defended.

Poland

Currently, the British Army is deployed alongside members of the US, Croatian, Romanian and Polish armed forces.

Similarly to their role in Estonia, the troops in Poland are working to strengthen Euro-Atlantic security, reassure allies within Nato and deter any adversaries as part of the alliance's eFP.

There are an estimated 140 soldiers from the UK in the country, with the majority serving in the Royal Lancers Light Cavalry Squadron who also work closely with the Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian troops.

This is part of a US-led battle group which includes the California National Guard.

Other elements from the British Army include the Adjutant General's Corps, Intelligence Corps, Royal Artillery, Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers, Royal Engineers, Royal Logistic Corps, Royal Military Police and Royal Corps of Signals.

Together they play an important role in the robust, rotational multinational, combat-ready force dedicated to protecting Nato's flank.