oh UK Ministry of Defence indicates that the leadership of NATO Rapid Response Force Acquisition by the United Kingdom from 1 January 2024. A joint NATO High Readiness Task Force was created following Russia's decision to illegally annex Crimea in 2014.
oh UK The United Kingdom's Allied Rapid Reaction Forces will provide the majority of forces, acting as the land component command.
The leadership of this NATO force rotates annually among NATO members. Thus, in 2023, the United Kingdom replaces Germany to lead the force. Earlier in 2017, England led the force.
For Defense Secretary Grand Shabbs, the UK is at the heart of NATO. By leading the Joint NATO High Readiness Task Force in 2024, “we are taking another leadership position in the Alliance, sending a clear message that Britain is stepping up global defense commitments as NATO enters its 75th year.”
Grand Shops notes that the UK Armed Forces are ready at any time to defend the Allies and protect the British national interest.
According to the UK Defense Secretary, the world is a more dangerous and contested place than it has been for decades and we need NATO more than ever. The UK and its allies are committed to supporting NATO and what it stands for.
NATO's Joint Rapid Response Force, comprising air, sea and special operations forces, will have a ground force of around 6,000 soldiers by 2024, with the UK's 7th Light Mechanized Combat Brigade – the “Desert Rats” – at its core.
This is the same force that led the response when NATO activated the Strategic Reserve Force in Kosovo last year. The regiment consists of one light cavalry regiment and four light mechanized infantry battalions consisting of artillery, engineering, logistics and medical regiments. Major units include the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, 4th Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland and 2nd Battalion, Royal Anglo Regiment.
In 2024, there are nine NATO member states – the United Kingdom, Spain, Poland, Hungary, Turkey, Latvia, North Macedonia, Romania and Albania – that will contribute to the NATO Response Force.
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