British Army deploys over 160 vehicles in NATO's VJTF exercise.

On February 13, 2024, the British Army reported that the 2nd Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment (2 R Anglian) had conducted an alert exercise, demonstrating their rapid response capabilities as part of NATO's high-readiness land forces. The exercise, which took place in Rutland, involved over 160 vehicles, and simulated a call-out scenario for NATO's Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF).
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The VJTF force, deployed for the first time in 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, is designed for rapid deployment anywhere in the world to support NATO allies. (Picture source: British Army)

2 R Anglian, stationed in Rutland, plays a role as part of NATO's spearhead VJTF land forces, established in response to Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014. This force, deployed for the first time in 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, is designed for rapid deployment anywhere in the world to support NATO allies.

The 7th Light Mechanised Brigade Combat Team HQ, also known as the 'Desert Rats', assumed command of the spearhead force on January 1, 2024. Comprising approximately 6,000 troops and over 600 armored and protected mobility vehicles, this multinational force stands ready to respond to crises under NATO's directive.

During the recent alert exercise, NATO signaled the 7LMBCT to activate the VJTF Land Component, prompting Brigade HQ to order VJTF units, including 2 R Anglian, to prepare for deployment. Warrant Officer Class 2 Jack Chapman commended the soldiers for their dedication and readiness, stressing the meticulous preparation involved.

Major Frank Atkins, Second in Command of 2 R Anglian, emphasized the exercise's success in simulating rapid deployment scenarios, underlining its importance in showcasing the battalion's readiness to meet NATO's demanding timelines.

Following the exercise, 2 R Anglian will make final preparations for Exercise Dragon in Poland in March. Exercise Dragon is part of NATO’s Exercise Steadfast Defender, one of the alliance's largest military exercises since the Cold War. Steadfast Defender involves over 40,000 troops from various NATO countries across 11 different countries, showcasing the alliance's collective defense capabilities.

Defense Secretary Grant Shapps MP highlighted the significance of Steadfast Defender in strengthening the coalition between the UK and its NATO allies, fulfilling commitments made at the 2023 NATO summit in Vilnius. He also noted the UK's ongoing contributions to NATO, including its leadership of the enhanced Forward Presence mission in Estonia, known as Operation Cabrit, which involves the persistent deployment of around 1,000 British soldiers to Estonia.

The VJTF is a component of the NATO Response Force (NRF), which was established in 2002 to swiftly address emerging crises. Led by the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, the NRF comprises land, air, maritime, and Special Operations Forces components, participating in peace-support operations, protecting critical infrastructure, and supporting disaster relief efforts.

Following the Wales Summit in 2014, NATO allies decided to enhance the NRF by creating the VJTF as part of the Readiness Action Plan (RAP). Consisting of approximately 20,000 troops, the VJTF can mobilize within two to three days, supported by various other NRF elements. Regular exercises and training sessions ensure seamless integration and standardized procedures within the NRF, which remains adaptable to address contemporary security challenges effectively.