Britain to deploy hundreds more troops to Baltics to see off any Russian invasion
BRITAIN is poised to deploy hundreds more troops to the Baltics as part of a new defensive army to see off any Russian invasion.
No 10 is backing calls by Eastern European nations to massively beef up NATO forces in response to Putin's attack on Ukraine.
Under the plan the number of soldiers in Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania will more than double to a "brigade strength” of 5,000.
And the trio will be supplied with extra fighter jets plus long range anti-aircraft missiles to keep the Kremlin at bay.
Countries on the alliance's eastern flank are urging the switch from a "deterrence" to a "full-scale defence" mission
The move will be discussed during a video call of defence ministers from NATO's 30 member states next Wednesday.
There are currently around 900 British troops in the Baltics serving alongside Danish and French soldiers.
A diplomat from an Eastern European country said: "NATO should move to the concept of forward defence in the Baltic region.
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"The current presence is based on a tripwire concept, which is not sufficient to address vulnerabilities in the region."
As well as a permanent "brigade level" force of 3,000-5,000 men countries in the area also want bolstered air defences.
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Extra jets and missiles would "prevent Russia from gaining air superiority and ensure NATO rapid reinforcements".
Foreign secretary Liz Truss said: "We have to strengthen NATO, we particularly have to strengthen the eastern flank.
"We’ve already deployed more troops into Estonia but there’s more to do.
We're increasing our maritime support and air cover."
The US has announced it will be sending an extra 400 soldiers to Lithuania in the coming days.
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