British Army Ramps Up Readiness for Potential Conflicts in Europe

The British Army is intensifying its readiness for potential conflict in Europe, as revealed in a recent session of the Defence Committee. General Sir Patrick Sanders, responding to inquiries from MP Derek Twigg, detailed the efforts under Operation Mobilise. This initiative aims to address the Army's current challenges, including reduced stockpiles and aging equipment, by ramping up training regimes and modernizing resources.

Sanders highlighted the Army's initial state, noting depleted stockpiles and obsolete equipment. Despite challenges, including aid to Ukrainian forces, the Army has significantly enhanced training operations. In 2020-21, only a small fraction of battle groups underwent combined arms manoeuvre training. However, Operation Mobilise has led to a substantial increase in such training exercises, aiming to prepare 90% of the Army’s battle groups by next year.

An ambitious training deployment, described as the largest since the cold war, is also planned to further assure readiness. On stockpile concerns, Sanders expressed confidence in achieving sufficient levels within a year or two. Moreover, there have been notable advances in equipment readiness, including the rapid replacement of artillery pieces and a significant increase in logistics capabilities. These developments mark a critical phase in the British Army's efforts to bolster its preparedness for potential conflicts in Europe.