Government says increase of funds for armed forces to come in spring – but critics suggest ‘a lot more’ is needed

Troops have travelled to Romania and Bulgaria to participate in NATO operation Steadfast Dart, which ministers hope will serve as a valuable proving ground for the British Army

MPs will have to wait until the spring for a spending plan, according to defence minister Luke Pollard. A defence minister has declined to outline the timetable for when the Government will meet its “cast-iron commitment” to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP.

Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard has reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to bolstering NATO’s integrated air and missile defence capabilities.

Thousands of British troops have been deployed to Romania and Bulgaria to prepare for a Russian invasion on Nato in the near future. As many as 730 army vehicles and 2,600 personnel will be stationed at the Alliance’s eastern flank as the war in Ukraine nears its third anniversary in February.

A total of 730 vehicles have been fitted on to three ferries at the Sea Mounting Centre in Marchwood, Hampshire, ahead of Exercise Steadfast Dart 25 – which is aimed at showcasi

The operation, called Steadfast Dart, comes ahead of the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Friday.

Nearly 1,000 British Army vehicles have been deployed to Romania as part of NATO's Allied Reaction Force during Exercise Steadfast Dart 25, showcasing NATO's readiness to counter potential threats from Russia.

Armed Forces minister Luke Pollard said the UK's participation "demonstrates our unwavering commitment to the alliance and showcases the UK's vital role within it".

Hundreds of army vehicles from the UK have been deployed to Romania as part of a Nato exercise. A total of 730 vehicles have been sent for the first deployment of Nato’s Allied Reaction Force. The vehicles left from ferries at the Sea Mounting Centre in Marchwood,

Speaking earlier this month, armed forces minister Luke Pollard said: “This Government wants the UK to be Nato’s leading European nation. “Exercise Steadfast Dart demonstrates our ...

Confirming the UK’s involvement in the exercise earlier this month, armed forces minister Luke Pollard said: “This Government wants the UK to be Nato’s leading European nation.