North Yorkshire troops on standby to be deployed to Estonia

Soldiers in the Army’s 4th Brigade will be held at “high readiness” to defend NATO’s eastern flank with Russia, under a new cooperation agreement Defence Secretary John Healey will sign with his Estonian counterpart.

The announcement comes as Mr Healey meets with fellow Nato defence ministers in Brussels on Thursday (October 17), as the war in Ukraine rumbles on.

Bourlon Barracks in Catterick (Image: PA MEDIA) At the meeting, Mr Healey is also expected to agree plans to lead the new Diamond initiative (Delivering Integrated Air and Missile Operational Networked Defences), aimed at integrating NATO member states’ missile defences, while also developing new long-range weapons.

Under the plans, the 4th Brigade, based at Bourlon Barracks, in Catterick, North Yorkshire, would be deployed within 10 days if called up to travel to Estonia under the plans.

Army personnel (Image: PA MEDIA) Some 1,000 British troops are already deployed in Estonia. If deployed, 4th Brigade troops – who are specialists in operating in Estonia’s Baltic terrain – could be sent there alongside helicopters and rocket launchers.

The Army’s most advanced tanks, the Challenger 3, as well as the Boxer armoured vehicle, could also be deployed in Estonia in future years.

Army brigades differ in size, but as many as 5,000 troops could be placed on standby under the pact, which will begin in July 2025.

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Defence Secretary Mr Healey said: “As global threats increase, the UK’s unshakeable commitment to NATO has never been more important. We are boosting our support for Estonia, with thousands of troops ready to deploy rapidly to the Russian border.

“I recently visited our dedicated troops posted at the NATO front line in Estonia to thank them for their service in safeguarding Europe in the face of growing Russian aggression.

“These announcements reinforce our contribution to the NATO alliance for decades to come. We are working closely with partners to develop advanced defensive and offensive capabilities to protect our citizens whilst boosting industry, jobs and growth in the UK.”