This week, the Defence Secretary met with NATO Defense Ministers to reiterate the United Kingdom’s support for Ukraine and to emphasize our unwavering commitment to protect every inch of Alliance territory.
As they assembled at NATO HQ in Brussels, Ben Wallace met with his counterparts from all 30 member nations.
They discussed the consequences of Russia’s unlawful invasion of Ukraine, as well as how the Alliance might increase its efforts to help Ukraine and improve its deterrence and defense posture, particularly along NATO’s eastern flank.
In reaction to Russia’s barbarous invasion of Estonia earlier this year, the UK raised the number of soldiers stationed there from 800 to over 1,600, and expanded our commitment to NATO air policing in Romania from four to six RAF planes.
Ministers also reviewed plans to overhaul NATO’s force structure and establish more flexible troops to respond to crises and wars, as well as arrangements for the NATO Summit later this month in Madrid, when critical decisions will be made by Heads of State and Government.
Ben Wallace, the Secretary of Defense, remarked, “I was thrilled to meet with my NATO colleagues again.”
The greatest successful military alliance in history is stronger than ever and more committed to defend one another.
The Defence Secretary also attended a donor meeting to examine how further military help may be offered to Ukraine with other like-minded member nations. Following the conference, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Germany made a joint statement committing to supply Ukraine with Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) with Guided MLRS (GMLRS) rockets.
While visiting NATO, the Defence Secretary also signed a Memorandum of Understanding for NATO’s Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability with France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Greece, and the Netherlands.
This international framework is critical to the UK’s Rotary Wing plan because it allows the UK and its allies to cooperate with industry to explore the newest technology on the market while building a medium-role helicopter for crucial NATO commitments and missions.
The UK has already sent over £750 million in military equipment to Ukraine, including thousands of anti-tank missiles, air defense systems, and armoured vehicles, and has just declared that multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS) will be sent as the battle in the Donbas enters a new phase.
The Defence Secretary also met with representatives from Sweden and Finland, reiterating the United Kingdom’s support for their recently announced membership bids.