Jump to it...
British troops in largest parachute drop for 20 years
HUNDREDS of British troops have launched a massive parachute drop into eastern Europe in the biggest exercise of its kind in 20 years.
More than 450 soldiers parachuted into southern Ukraine amid growing concern about aggression from neighbouring Russia.
The landmark operation took place just 100 miles from Moscow- controlled Crimea, as Russia steps up military operations against Ukraine.
Troops from the 16th Air Assault Brigade were dropped from around 600ft from low- flying C- 130 warplanes sent from RAF Brize Norton, in Oxfordshire.
They were led by elite Pathfinder soldiers. Ahead of the main assault, a handful of Pathfinders had parachuted in to scope a landing zone.
Covert
The covert insertion specialists called in the lead attack force from hidden positions, as the skies above the plains of southern Ukraine were filled with British and Ukrainian paratroopers.
The most senior British officer on the ground said: “We are willing and ready to deploy.
“What we are saying by being here is that we are standing by our allies and partners and the sovereignty and security of the Black Sea region.”
The para- drop was codenamed
Joint Endeavour.
Lt Gen Yevhen Moysiuk, Commander of Ukraine’s Airborne Forces, said: “The military threat from Russia has increased recently, it is getting worse.
“This exercise is of huge importance as it cements our links to our British friends and reassures the local population.”
More than 13,000 have been killed in the conflict, which was triggered by Moscow’s annexation of Crimea in 2014.
Even though Ukraine is not in Nato, the country has an “enhanced opportunities partnership” with the Western alliance, with the UK playing an important role.
Meanwhile, a commander has given a rare glimpse into life as a member of one of the most secretive units in the British Army.
After leading the covert insertion, the Pathfinders officer- incommand said: “The difference in the Pathfinders is we are selected for our soldiering ability, fitness, navigation ability and self- reliance.
“We are trained to go in at risk to reduce and mitigate risk to the main force coming later. It is an enormous relief to see the main force come down safely.”
The commander’s troops must pass a gruelling six- week selection process and are recruited from across all three services.
His men are trained to survive on their own behind enemy lines and they are often deployed secretly as covert specialists in war zones globally.