This Christmas, around 10,000 UK Armed Forces personnel are deployed overseas, sacrificing time with loved ones to safeguard national and international security, according to a MOD news update
These personnel are part of 60 operations across 44 countries, while hundreds more remain on duty in the UK, protecting airspace, coastlines, and digital networks.
Defence Secretary John Healey visited soldiers stationed in Estonia as part of NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence.
The deployment of 900 British personnel, alongside Estonian and French forces, underlines the UK’s commitment to NATO and the security of Europe.
“This Christmas, I pay special tribute to those 10,000 military personnel who are deployed overseas, many of them not seeing family and loved ones at this important time,” said Mr. Healey during his visit. He also served Christmas lunch to the troops, thanking them for their dedication.
The UK’s presence in Estonia includes significant advancements such as Project ASGARD, which focuses on integrating technologies like AI, drones, and advanced sensors. The Defence Secretary highlighted the importance of leveraging these tools for operational advantage, noting that “here on the front line, we must also be on the cutting edge of new technologies.”
The Defence Secretary also announced the UK’s readiness to deploy Challenger 3 tanks and Boxer armoured vehicles in Estonia from 2025, reinforcing NATO’s eastern flank. This follows the signing of a defence roadmap with Estonia, further strengthening military ties.
Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin praised Armed Forces personnel for their tireless efforts throughout the year, saying: “From delivering the nuclear deterrent and policing NATO skies to training Ukrainian recruits and protecting merchant shipping, the Armed Forces have stepped up to deliver all that the nation asks of us.”
In addition to overseas missions, UK-based personnel are on constant watch. RAF aviators stand ready to scramble Typhoon jets, military cyber experts safeguard critical systems, and Royal Navy submarines maintain the country’s nuclear deterrent.
Reflecting on their service, Mr. Healey said to troops in Estonia:
“Thank you for your commitment to keeping our country safe. What you’re doing here really matters—for the security of Europe and for all of us back home in Britain.”
I wonder how many other countries have 10,000 military personnel deployed abroad year round.
Hi Jim,
Yeah I was wondering the same. I suppose the US has many deployed around the globe? There’s a large amount in Germany and of course US personnel deployed here in the UK. Nonetheless, would be interesting to see how many are deployed from our European allies.
Cheers, George
Hi Jim,
Just did a quick cursory check on France. Apparently there’s 30,000 personnel deployed around the world. If so that’s quite impressive!
Cheers
George
France seems to take its military a hundred times more seriously than any post-Cold War British government ever will.
Not many. It rather demonstrates that our armed forces, whilst imperfect, are global players.
Thanks to all that serve and especially to their families who are missing them. Your sacrifice is valued and keeps us all safe.
Hi Jim,
Just did a quick cursory check on France. Apparently there’s 30,000 personnel deployed around the world. If so that’s quite impressive!
Cheers
George
I wonder how many Healey will be making redundant next year, after praising them?
“Deploying Challenger and Boxer to Estonia”
Great.
So will we one of SACEUR reserve Corps or not?
You cannot be a reserve yet have a big portion of your assets deployed forward.
HMG and MoD like to “double hat” all the time and it fools
no one except the masses.
10,000 Army cuts have already been “leaked” – but I would suggest that selling off Albion and Bulwark means the blow will fall on the Royal Marines. Expect a 3000 increase in basic grade MoD civil servants to manage the sell-off plus grade inflation for the rest, making 70,000 civil servants in all and costing 5 times more than the £500m saved by scrapping our amphibious warfare capability
You would have thought that Radakin would have objected and said something in favour of keeping our amphibious warfare ships – but no chance, he’s retiring next year and wants his pension
He Daniele, you do of course need some elements from HQ (and enablers) forward to stay in touch with any developing situation, read the ground, liaise with anticipated flanking formations and be a foot on the ground to be able to quickly set up RSOI.
We won’t be deploying CR3 to Estonia in 2025; IOC is not until 2027. Healey should know that.