In 2024, the United Kingdom took over the leadership role in the united Operational Group of High NATO, located in Polish Szczecin.
The British Defense Minister, Grant Chapsa, noted this step as another important step for the UK in the Alliance, sending a clear signal to increase global defense efforts in the 75th year of NATO's existence. He stated that the UK's armed forces are ready to protect the Alliance at any time and to protect the country's national interests.
The combined group will consist of the 7th light mechanized Britain brigade, which has about six thousand servicemen. NATO Member States will manage a rotary basis group, headed by Britain in 2024, pre-headed the group in 2017, and in 2023 Germany played this role.
The United Operational Group was created in response to the annexation of Crimea by Russia and the events in the Donbass in 2014. The main purpose of its creation is to strengthen the Eastern European Flang and increase the performance and efficiency of potential threats, capable of combat deployment within 48 hours.
