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2024-01-09

UK Takes Command of NATO’s Elite Force

As of January 1, the United Kingdom’s 7th Light Mechanised Brigade has assumed leadership of NATO’s rapid reaction force, known as the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF). This move places thousands of highly trained soldiers on high alert, ready to deploy within days if needed.

The VJTF was established in 2014 following Russia’s annexation of Crimea. Its first deployment came in 2022 in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, highlighting its crucial role in collective defence.

Taking leadership of the VJTF will see the UK provide the majority of forces in the task force. The United Kingdom’s Allied Rapid Reaction Corps will serve as the land component command.

The leadership role rotates annually among NATO members, and the UK now assumes this role from Germany, which headed the force in 2023. Previously, the UK led the task force in 2017.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps emphasised the UK’s pivotal role within NATO, stating: “The UK is at the heart of NATO. By heading up NATO’s VJTF in 2024, we are taking another leading position in the Alliance, sending a clear message that Britain is stepping up to our global defence commitments as NATO enters its 75th year.”

He stressed the preparedness of the UK’s Armed Forces to promptly defend Allies and safeguard British national interests.

Shapps highlighted the increasingly precarious global landscape, noting heightened dangers and disputes.

Elite Readiness

The VJTF is the highest-readiness element of NATO’s larger Response Force (NRF), which also includes air, maritime and special operations forces. This year, VJTF land forces will comprise some 6,000 troops, with the UK’s 7th Light Mechanised Brigade Combat Team — the ‘Desert Rats’ — at its core.

This force previously spearheaded the response during the activation of NATO’s Strategic Reserve Force in Kosovo.

Comprising a light cavalry regiment and four light-mechanised infantry battalions supported by artillery, engineering, logistics, and medical regiments, major units within the brigade encompass the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, the 4th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, and the 2nd Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment.

Crucial Role

The MOD’s 2023 Integrated Review Refresh emphasised NATO’s enduring role as the cornerstone of UK defence and security. The UK’s steadfast commitment involves providing a comprehensive array of defence capabilities to the Alliance. The past year reinforced the Alliance’s crucial role in deterring threats and defending member states.

Among the ongoing commitments, the UK leads the enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) mission in Estonia. It maintains a brigade of troops at high readiness within the UK, ready to swiftly support Estonia and the broader Baltic region in times of crisis.

This year, over 1,500 UK troops participated in Exercise Spring Storm in Estonia, the first time the UK conducted a brigade-sized deployment as part of Op Cabrit.

“This brigade needs to be ready to move within days to wherever NATO needs it, making it a key part of our collective defence. The UK’s leadership of our highest readiness formation is a clear display of its capabilities and commitment to NATO,” stated acting Spokesperson Dylan White.

Collaborative Effort

Contributions from Poland’s 1st Warsaw Armoured Brigade and Spain’s Brigada Guzmán el Bueno will bring heavy battle tanks, attack helicopters, and air defence capabilities.

Nine NATO Allies, among them the UK, Spain, Poland, Hungary, Turkey, Latvia, North Macedonia, Romania, and Albania, are set to actively engage in the NATO Response Force.

Moreover, there are strategic plans within the Alliance to transform the current NATO Response Force into a more adaptive and agile unit known as the Allied Reaction Force. This transition, expected to be completed by mid-2024, underscores NATO’s continual efforts to enhance its capabilities and readiness in the face of evolving challenges.

The UK’s contributions to NATO extend beyond direct leadership roles and encompass vital support to multinational operations. Within a US-led NATO battle group stationed in Poland, the UK offers a Reconnaissance Squadron, bolstering the group’s surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.

This collaboration strengthens the collective defence posture and facilitates comprehensive situational awareness within the region.

Additionally, the UK plays a pivotal role in safeguarding Polish airspace by deploying its advanced Ground-Based Air Defence system, Sky Sabre. This system fortifies Poland’s air defence capabilities.

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