Britain and more than a dozen Nato states have joined forces for a three-month shakedown of joint working protocols across Scandinavia and the Baltics.
Starting in April, Operation Razoredge has seen a full flex of the alliance’s land, air and sea muscles in a rehearsal of collective defence and power showcase. The programme included Exercise Hedgehog (page 36) – a test of Estonia’s defence plans.
Accompanying maritime escort manoeuvres also ensured that kit for 4th Light Brigade Combat Team was safely delivered.
Meanwhile, soldiers from 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team headed for serials straddling Sweden and Norway (page 15). And neighbouring Finland was the venue for Exercise Northern Strike, involving units including 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, which rolled out its MLRS kit for the training.
The Army Air Corps showed its teeth throughout in providing top cover. In all, some 13 Nato countries have contributed to the Razoredge package – which was entering its latter stages as this issue went to press – with around 6,000 UK troops among the participating 17,000 allied personnel.
