The British Defence Secretary has ordered thousands of troops to be sent to Europe which is the largest “deployment since the Cold War.”

Around 8,000 British troops will join NATO allies and those from the Joint Expeditionary Force Alliance for exercises in Europe to show “solidarity and strength” against Russia.

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Troops will be sent to Finland, Sweden, North Macedonia, Denmark, Iceland and Norway, with dozens of tanks armoured fighting vehicles as the Ministry of Defence (MoD) will bolster a show of force for Ukraine and other countries within Europe.

American troops will also be conducting exercises with British troops in Poland.

The MoD said the planned exercises will improve the ability of British troops and Finnish soldiers to work together which will deter, “Russian aggression in Scandinavia and the Baltic states.”

The drills aim to “showcase the scale and significance of the British Army’s contribution to the defence of Europe,” the MoD added.

Ben Wallace said, “The security of Europe has never been more important.

“These exercises will see our troops join forces with allies and partners across NATO and the Joint Expeditionary Force in a show of solidarity and strength in one of the largest shared deployments since the Cold War.

“Operating across Europe, the British Army will stand alongside partners, combining our capabilities and shared values, promoting peace and security.”

Commander Field Army Lieutenant General Ralph Wooddisse said, “The UK makes a significant contribution to the defence of Europe and the deterrence of Russian aggression. The British Army’s series of exercises is fundamental to both.

“The scale of the deployment, coupled with the professionalism, training and agility of the British Army, will deter aggression at a scale not seen in Europe this century.”