UK troops hailed as a boost for Nato

The deployment of British troops to Estonia in a bid to deter Russian aggression shows Nato is a “very capable force” that is ready to deal with a raft of threats, a senior UK officer has said.

More than 800 British personnel are currently stationed in the Baltic state as part of Nato’s enhanced forward presence (EFP).

Established to deter potential aggression from the Krem- lin, the British Army is providing the bulk of the numbers through the 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh. Taking a central role in the EFP and based more than 80 miles from the Russian border in the town of Tapa, the Senior Major of The Royal Welsh, Darren Hughes, said his troops were aware of why they are in Estonia.

Asked whether the threat from Russia is a credible one, the 43-year-old from Rhyl, North Wales, said: “In as much as is Russia a potent military force? Absolutely. They are a very professional organisation. Are they a threat to us day to day? No, they are not. Plus are we showing the fact that should situations worsen, then an armoured infantry battlegroup is a very credible fighting force.”

He added: “We are here to show to any potential aggressor that as a force, Nato is very capable and is prepared to deal with a whole raft of threats.” Maj Hughes said his soldiers were doing “really good training in a European country with a partner nation”.