Synopsis

UK troops from NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) Battlegroup Estonia travelled to Latvia to conduct armoured vehicle drills and training. In an exercise that included a live-fire display from the UK Challenger 2 tanks, the battlegroup demonstrated its continued readiness and alertness throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Footage includes various shots of the British Army Challenger 2 tanks firing, various shots of UK soldiers training and an interview with Colonel Paul Clayton, Commander of the UK contribution to NATO eFP Battlegroups Estonia and Poland. Aerial shots courtesy of the Latvian Ministry of Defence. Night and POV shots courtesy of eFP Command Estonia, copyright UK Ministry of Defence.

Teaser

Watch these UK soldiers from NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence Battlegroup Estonia put on an impressive live-fire display in Latvia with their British Army Challenger 2 tanks.

Transcript

AUDIO DESCRIPTION --MUSIC-- --SOUNDBITE (ENGLISH)— Colonel Paul Clayton, Commander of the UK contribution to NATO eFP Estonia and Poland “I don’t think COVID has made any difference to our posture here. We’ve maintained our state of alertness and our state of readiness throughout, and NATO has been able to keep its forward presence ready to go if required.” --SOUNDBITE (ENGLISH)— Colonel Paul Clayton, Commander of the UK contribution to NATO eFP Estonia and Poland “I’m really impressed. They’ve been able to show their true professionalism to be able to get down here, move a whole battlegroup, 600 people, all the armoured vehicles and then conduct a fantastic bit of live firing. It’s been excellent.”