UK Troops in Romania: Exercises Highlight NATO Readiness and Limitations

The British Army has made it clear that it stands ready to deploy to Ukraine if requested by the government. Currently, 2,500 UK troops from the Army’s high-readiness force, the First Division, are participating in NATO’s largest exercise of 2023, Steadfast Dart, in Romania. The exercise ground is situated just 16 miles (25km) from the border with Ukraine.

While mobile phones are banned during the exercise, many1e on the exercise, awareness among the soldiers is high regarding the potential discussions for deploying troops to Ukraine. Brigadier Andy Watson, who commands the British contribution, confirmed that his brigade is prepared if ordered to enter Ukraine. “Our brigade is absolutely ready,” he stated.

The UK’s Commitment: Ready and Willing, Yet Uncertain

Earlier in the week, Keir Starmer expressed his readiness and willingness to send British troops to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire. However, he has not yet clarified the specific actions the troops might undertake. Brigadier Watson admitted that the force package would depend on the government’s direction.

He stressed that the UK could not undertake such a mission alone, stating, “The prime minister has made it clear that the UK would contribute, but not do it on our own.” Exercise Steadfast Dart serves multiple purposes, not only demonstrating NATO’s rapid response capability but also highlighting its limitations in terms of force size and coordination.

The Scale and Scope of NATO’s Exercise

Exercise Steadfast Dart involves over 10,000 military personnel from eight European nations and highlights the remarkable ability to deploy and coordinate forces quickly. The UK has showcased its readiness by moving more than 700 military vehicles and 1,400 personnel across 1,400 miles (2,253 km) within a short timeframe as part of NATO’s new Allied Reaction Force.

However, the exercise’s scale underscores NATO’s limitations. Many military experts believe that a viable peacekeeping mission in Ukraine might require a force of over 100,000 troops, far beyond NATO’s deployment in Steadfast Dart.

Financial and Legislative Challenges

One significant challenge for NATO is the inadequate defense spending of several member countries. According to NATO’s own targets, member states should spend at least 2% of their GDP on defense. However, many nations, including some in Europe, have not met this benchmark. Defence spending cuts and restructuring have reduced the UK army to its smallest size since the Napoleonic wars, with just over 70,000 regular troops.

Furthermore, even before recent cuts, the British Army was stretched thin, having deployed nearly 9,000 personnel to Helmand in 2009. This operation required significant additional spending on urgent operational equipment and frequent rotations of fresh troops. The current army size of approximately 73,000 would find it difficult to mount another large-scale mission.

The Role of the United States

The absence of US forces from Steadfast Dart is unprecedented for such a large NATO exercise. The US remains NATO’s most powerful and largest member, and its lack of direct involvement leaves a critical gap. Keir Starmer and the UK Defence Secretary, John Healey, have called for the US involvement. Healey emphasized, “It is only the US that can provide the deterrence to Putin that will prevent him attacking again.”

In the past, the on-the-ground absence of US forces during NATO’s intervention in Libya in 2011 highlighted Europe’s limitations without its most significant partner. With logistics support like air-to-air refueling, intelligence, and surveillance being heavily reliant on the US, their participation is crucial for any major military operation.

Future Outlook and Nato’s Response

The full-scale invasion of Ukraine should have been a wake-up call for European nations to increase their defense spending. While many have moved closer to NATO’s 2% GDP target, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is pressing for more, aiming for over 3%. The UK government has not yet set a deadline for reaching its 2.5% spending target, and Europe has lagged in upgrading its defense production.

Exercise Steadfast Dart signals that lessons are being learned from the conflict in Ukraine. There is a focus on training for trench warfare, urban combat, and the threat posed by drones, reflecting the evolving nature of modern warfare.

Soldier Testimonials

Observing British and Romanian troops clearing snow-covered trenches, it is clear the soldiers are prepared for the next steps. Many of these troops have been recently training their Ukrainian counterparts in the UK. Corporal Richard Gillin of 4 Scots stated, “We’re definitely ready for Ukraine.”

While the possibility and specifics of a deployment remain uncertain, any mission in Ukraine could provide a renewed sense of purpose to the British Army. Lance Corporal Lewis Antwis of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards echoed this sentiment, saying, “People have joined the Army for a purpose, so I think the boys would be ready.”

Conclusion

Exercise Steadfast Dart not only demonstrates NATO’s readiness to respond but also uncovers its limitations, particularly in terms of force size and the need for a large US military engagement. The UK remains committed and capable, with troops trained and prepared for various contingencies. As NATO and its member nations continue to adapt and prepare for potential threats, exercises like Steadfast Dart remain crucial in demonstrating collective intent and capability.