UK to send thousands of troops and equipment for NATO drills in Bulgaria and Romania

The United Kingdom is set to make a significant contribution to NATO’s Steadfast Dart exercise, sending over 2,600 servicemen and 730 units of military equipment.

The exercise, scheduled to take place between January and February across Bulgaria and Romania, will involve a range of NATO forces, with the UK providing the largest contingent.

The British Ministry of Defence made the announcement on January 3, per Caliber.Az.

According to the Ministry, the UK’s 1st Division will take command of all ground forces during the exercise, which will also see participation from the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force. The Steadfast Dart exercise is designed to test NATO’s readiness and coordination among member states, particularly in the early phases of deployment.

"This exercise will enhance NATO’s rapid response capabilities, ensuring that forces from across the Alliance can work seamlessly together in times of crisis," the Ministry of Defence stated. "Having high-readiness forces across land, air, and sea is critical to NATO's defence strategies, particularly when responding to emerging threats. The new NATO Rapid Reaction Force will not only bolster the Alliance's defence capabilities but also serve as a deterrent to adversaries, including Russia."

"The UK’s participation highlights its commitment to NATO’s collective defence strategy, reinforcing its role in enhancing regional security. The exercise will be an essential part of NATO’s long-term plan to improve interoperability between allied forces, enabling them to act more swiftly and effectively in response to potential threats," the message says.

Earlier, on November 29, 2024, NATO held a separate exercise in Poland, named TUMAK-24, which took place just 70 kilometers from the Russian border. This drill involved approximately 2,500 soldiers and 800 pieces of military equipment, with a key highlight being the crossing of Lake Kempno by tanks at the Ozysz training ground.

By Tamilla Hasanova