Tidworth soldiers complete major training exercise in Germany
It's involved the kinds of tanks that are set to be provided to Ukraine
Last updated 1st Feb 2023
Soldiers from Tidworth has been taking part in a major exercise in Germany, ahead of deploying to Estonia.
800 troops from the Queen's Royal Hussars (QRH) Battlegroup, along with 250 vehicles, spent 22 days there.
It's in preparation for a tour of duty as part of the UK's contribution to NATO in Eastern Europe.
The exercise involved Challenger 2 tanks - over 30 of which have been promised to Ukrainian forces to help defend against the Russian aggression there.
UK forces will begin training their colleagues from Ukraine to use the equipment in the coming days.
Lieutenant General Sir Ralph Wooddisse KCB CBE MC, Commander Field Army, said:
“Exercise Tallinn Dawn is a demanding exercise designed to test all elements of the Battle Group ensuring they can fight and win. As part of NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence in Estonia these troops are now ready to contribute to the defence of Europe and the deterrence of Russian aggression.
“Once deployed, they will train alongside our allies and partners, providing powerful, capable, and ready forces to support NATO and show the UK’s commitment to peace and security.’’
The QRH take up the role as Battlegroup from the King's Royal Hussars, as part of the regular rotation of forces.
They were last based in Estonia in 2021.
Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Wilson says he's 'proud' to be leading the Battlegroup on their next operation.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace visited Estonia last week, where he met troops alongside counterparts from European nations to agree further support for Ukraine.