The UK Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, has visited British Armed Forces personnel stationed in Estonia to express gratitude for their vital service during the festive season. This Christmas, over 10,000 sailors, marines, soldiers, and aviators are deployed overseas, safeguarding the nation while sacrificing time with their families.
During his visit, Healey served Christmas lunch to the troops and underscored the UK’s steadfast commitment to NATO and the security of Europe. The deployment in Estonia, consisting of 900 personnel, is part of NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence aimed at deterring aggression on the alliance’s eastern flank.
A Tribute to Armed Forces Serving Over Christmas
The Defence Secretary acknowledged the sacrifices made by Armed Forces personnel over the holiday period, stating: “This week they will sacrifice what most of us take for granted—special time with our families—to ensure that our nation is safe.”
Chief of the Defence Staff, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, also extended his gratitude, saying “From delivering the nuclear deterrent to protecting merchant shipping, the Armed Forces have stepped up to deliver all that the nation asks of us.”
Project ASGARD and Defence Innovation
The visit provided an opportunity to highlight Project ASGARD, an initiative leveraging cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), drones, and advanced sensors to enhance battlefield capabilities. Priority work on this project is scheduled to continue into 2025, demonstrating the UK’s focus on innovation in defence.
Strengthening UK-Estonia Defence Ties
The UK’s relationship with Estonia remains a cornerstone of NATO’s collective security. A newly signed defence roadmap between the two nations ensures that the UK’s 4th Brigade Combat Team will be at high readiness to deploy to Estonia in times of crisis from 2025. It also marks the first overseas deployment of the UK’s advanced Challenger 3 tanks and Boxer armoured vehicles.
UK Armed Forces: Safeguarding at Home and Abroad
Beyond Estonia, the UK Armed Forces are engaged in 60 operations across 44 countries. Domestically, Royal Air Force personnel stand ready to protect UK airspace, military cyber experts defend against constant digital threats, and Royal Navy ships patrol the nation’s seas. A Royal Navy nuclear submarine continues its unbroken nuclear deterrence patrol, marking 55 years of continuous service.
Addressing soldiers at Tapa Army Base in Estonia, Healey stated: “Thank you for your commitment to keeping our country safe. This deployment matters for the security of Europe and for everyone back home in Britain.”
The visit reinforced the message that the UK remains steadfast in its dedication to NATO, ensuring security and stability across Europe.
