UK extends deployment of 100 troops and Sky Sabre to defend Nato's eastern flank

Britain has announced it will extend the deployment of 100 personnel in Poland and the Sky Sabre system will remain there until the end of the year.

The air defence system is protecting Nato's eastern flank amid Russian aggression in Ukraine, securing routes such as the Jasionka Airport and roads that support the passage of military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps made the announcement on a visit to the Orzysz military range in Poland – where Exercise Dragon 24 is taking place – to meet his counterpart, Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz.

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The Polish minister expressed his nation's gratitude to Britain for its support and to Mr Shapps for his commitment to Poland's security.

Grant Shapps said: "The UK will always step up to defend our Nato allies when needed.

"That's why today we're extending the deployment of 100 British soldiers and our Sky Sabre air defence system to keep Poland safe from growing threats and aggressive forces."

The Sky Sabre air defence system can hit a tennis ball travelling at several times the speed of sound with its missiles which are capable of travelling at 2,300 miles an hour.

It can target and destroy drones, with the British Army saying the system is indicative of its modernisation plans.

The system can control the flight of 24 missiles at once and is capable of intercepting laser-guided smart bombs and aircraft.