By Eniola Amadu
The commander of a regiment of British Army reservists has said joint exercises with NATO allies have taken on “slightly more significance” in the wake of reported Russian airspace violations across Europe.
Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Lawson of 4 Mercian was speaking during Exercise Sava Star, a two-week training programme with the Croatian armed forces.
He said the exercises underscored the need for unity among NATO members amid growing regional security concerns.
“I am cognisant of the threat,” Col Lawson said. “There are NATO countries that are closer to that threat, therefore it makes perfect sense that where we have the opportunity we work with them, to reassure them that we will stand by them.”
Russia has denied claims that its aircraft entered the airspace of several European countries, including Poland and Estonia, in recent weeks.
The annual exercise, now in its 13th year, is intended to strengthen ties and enhance joint operational readiness between NATO allies.
Around 120 reservists from 4 Mercian, a light infantry regiment, took part in this year’s deployment.
Among them was Corporal Jack Harley, a heavy goods vehicle driver from Kidderminster with 11 years’ service.
He has previously been deployed to Estonia and Cyprus, and helped train Ukrainian troops following Russia’s invasion.
“A lot of people seem to think it’s like Dad’s Army,” he said, “but we get integrated a lot with the regular Army. As a battalion, we are equally as prepared as everyone else.”
Others expressed willingness to serve if called up.
Environmental consultant Alistair Budden, 23, who has been a reservist for just over a year, said he was ready to be mobilised: “I’d like to go out, because it would be a good experience for me and to support the Army as a whole.”
Electrician Kyle Bedson, from Stoke-on-Trent, also said he hoped to be called for active duty, noting that both his brother and sister had served in Afghanistan. “If something was to arise, I’d definitely volunteer to do my bit for my country,” he said.
Captain Matej Takalic of the Croatian Armed Forces emphasised the importance of such joint work.
“The changing security environment in the world, especially on the eastern borders of NATO, is rapidly moving from counter-insurgency to large-scale combat operations,” he said.
“We are probably going to have to work together in the future.”
4 Mercian maintains reserve centres in Burton-upon-Trent, Kidderminster, Stoke-on-Trent, Wolverhampton, Worcester, as well as across the East Midlands and North West.
