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Hundreds of UK military personnel deployed to NATO鈥檚 eastern flank to add critical firepower to a major NATO exercise in Northern Finland.聽

Exercise Northern Strike will see the UK Armed Forces join thousands of personnel from Finland and Sweden, NATO鈥檚 two newest Allies. The show of force and firepower reinforces the Alliance鈥檚 readiness, capability, and commitment to defend every inch of NATO territory. This is the latest demonstration of strong collaboration between the UK and our international partners as set out in the government鈥檚 Plan for Change.

New British Army AH64E Apache attack helicopters will fire Hellfire missiles and 30mm guns simulating close support to allied combat forces on the ground, including British Army infantry units.聽

Bringing their cutting-edge rocket systems to the battlefield, The British Army鈥檚 3rd聽Regiment Royal Horse Artillery will fire their Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) throughout and put their troops to the test during a field training exercise. MLRS has been proven in battle in the war in Ukraine and this will be the first time the British Army fire the system on European soil alongside AH64E Apache helicopters.聽

Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard MP, said :

Exercise Northern Strike demonstrates our unshakeable commitment to NATO and highlights the key capabilities the UK brings to the Alliance. This government鈥檚 commitment to increasing defence spending to 2.5% of GDP from April 2027 ensures the UK鈥檚 strength and leadership.

From the skies over Poland, to the northern reaches of Finland, the UK is standing shoulder to shoulder with our allies in leading the way in defending NATO鈥檚 eastern flank. Working with our international partners is at the core of this government鈥檚 Plan for Change.

Deepening聽partnerships with key Allies across the exercise is a key part of this Government鈥檚 NATO first policy, to ensure the UK is secure at home and strong abroad. Strengthening NATO by showcasing our capabilities and increasing interoperability assures our allies and deters our adversaries.聽

Exercise Northern Strike is part of a wider operation to secure NATO鈥檚 eastern flank; Operation RAZOREDGE. RAZOREDGE is made up of 13 exercises involving 13 NATO allies across 6 countries. The UK has contributed assets across air, land and sea with over 6,000聽UK personnel taking part alongside 16,500 allied troops.聽

Operated by 4 Regiment, Army Air Corps, the Apache Helicopters also support jobs across the country at the Army Aviation Centre in Hampshire and Suffolk. UK industry also plays a key role with 75 British companies, including 33 SMEs also contributing a range of critical components to the aircraft.聽聽聽

Keeping the country safe is the Government鈥檚 first priority, and an integral part of its Plan for Change. The work of the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force, is critical to the security and stability of the UK, supporting all of the Government鈥檚 five missions in its plan.