RAF lands a blow
» Rocket system dubbed 70km » NATO’s exercise in Estonia is Sniper showcases UK firepower warning to Russian tyrant Putin
THE RAF landed a weapon dubbed the 70km Sniper in Russia’s backyard yesterday as Britain continued to showcase its firepower in a NATO exercise.
The British Army’s Multiple Launch Rocket System carried out a simulated firing in Estonia, which is to the west of the Russian border.
It was flown in to Kiltsi Airfield, in western Estonia on an RAF A400M for Exercise Spring Storm.
It was part of Steadfast Defender 24 – NATO’s biggest wargame since the Cold War – which began in January and ends later this month.
The Army’s website says the M270B1 system provides pinpoint accuracy, using GPS to deliver a 200lb high explosive warhead to its target and boasting over twice the range of its other artillery systems.
It adds: “Without leaving the cab, the crew can fire up to 12 rockets in less than 60 seconds.”
Yesterday’s exercise was a fresh show of strength from NATO against Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
And Estonia’s minister of defence Hanno Pevkur said it sends a “very clear” message. He told the Mirror: “NATO, as an alliance, is always ready to defend our countries and our people.”
He added: “Don’t even think about attacking NATO countries because we are all together in this and are defending our alliance.”
Britain’s ambassador to Estonia, Ross Allen, said: “If Russia was to try… something on here… we could really, really rapidly re-enforce our allies.
“We and our Estonian allies take the threat seriously. It’s the reason that we are here full stop.
“We normally have about 850 troops here. That’s to help provide reassurance to the Estonians, deter Russia and also be ready to defend Estonia if needed.” He stressed that Estonia is a “very safe country” and part of the EU and NATO, adding: “We’re here to keep it that way.” Detachment commander Olivia Leather, 31, from the 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, said it was “amazing” to be part of the exercise.
On Saturday, 82 British paratroopers and 60 from the US jumped from American C-17s in another exercise in central Estonia. It comes amid tension with the Kremlin. Last week the UK expelled a Russian defence attache believed to be a spy.
We and our Estonian allies take the threat from Russia seriously
ROSS ALLEN BRITISH AMBASSADOR TO ESTONIA