Thousands of British troops travel to Romania to take part in mass mobilization drills ahead of the third anniversary of the war in Ukraine.
Around 2,500 British troops, along with hundreds of vehicles, are moving across the continent by land, air and sea to join their allies in the Balkans.
The operation, called Steadfast Dart, aims to highlight the bloc’s ability to mobilize quickly, amid a series of World War III threats from Putin’s allies in recent months.
Steadfast Dart, the first major deployment of NATO’s Allied Reaction Force (ARF), aims to test the ability to deploy under pressure.
Second Lieutenant Alex Coleman told the PA that the move across Europe was a “major undertaking” that “shows what the British Army and NATO are capable of.”
Lieutenant Coleman said the convoy traveled from the United Kingdom, through the Netherlands, Germany, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, and will cover about 1,400 miles.
Hundreds of people arrived in Hungary early today, pausing before heading to Romania this afternoon, where they will carry out combat exercises.
British vehicles arrive at a Hungarian military base in Szentes during Steadfast Dart today.

British military vehicles are gathered as they arrive at a Hungarian military base on Tuesday.
The NATO Allied Reaction Force replaced the NATO Response Force last year.
Steadfast Dart is the first operation that tests the reactions of the group as such.
British troops left Marchwood, Hampshire, last week, with around 730 vehicles.
The convoy includes Foxhound and Jackal high mobility weapon platform vehicles, Mastiff armored patrol vehicles, as well as fuel tankers and forklifts, installed on three ferries at the Sea Mounting Centre.
The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards and 4th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland have been deployed for the exercise in Romania.
The two regiments, which form part of the 7th Light Mechanized Brigade, known as The Desert Rats, will form the main battle group supported by other UK forces and representatives from other NATO nations.

The exercise marks the first deployment under the bloc’s new Allied Reaction Force (ARF).

British military vehicles in convoy as they arrive in Szentes early this morning
Earlier this month, Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard said: “This government wants the UK to be NATO’s leading European nation.”
‘Exercise Steadfast Dart demonstrates our unwavering commitment to NATO and highlights the UK’s key leadership role in the alliance.
“As we approach the third anniversary of Russia’s large-scale illegal invasion of Ukraine, we must continue to strengthen our collective defenses to effectively deter (Russian President Vladimir) Putin.”
Despite lofty ambitions, the UK has “around 148,230” people, as of April 2024, covering the army, air force and navy and marines.
Between 2023 and 2024, there was a drop in total staff numbers, with 4,430 more leaving than joining, along with a net decrease of 5,420 the previous year.
The UK had 5,700 people stationed abroad at the time the data was collected, of whom around two-thirds were in Europe.
Under a new “100-year” deal with kyiv, Britain and Ukraine will seek to “deepen defense cooperation.”

A Mastiff vehicle is loaded onto the MV Hurst Point near Southampton, January 16.

A member of the military checks the tires of a Foxhound vehicle in Southampton, January 16.
The document opens the possibility that the United Kingdom could deploy permanent military bases on Ukrainian territory.
“Participants will explore options for deploying and maintaining defense infrastructure in Ukraine, including military bases, logistics depots, reserve military equipment storage facilities and war reserves,” the document reads.
“These facilities could be used to bolster their own defense capabilities in the event of a significant military threat.”
Sir Keir Starmer also pledged £40m for an economic recovery program to provide support for grain verification and trade, as well as £3bn a year in military aid “for as long as it takes”.