UK light mechanised brigade to lead NATO VJTF

Supacat Jackal reconnaissance vehicles. (Crown copyright)

A British Army light mechanised brigade is to provide the framework lead of the NATO Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (Land) (VJTF(L)) in 2024, the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has told Janes.

VJTF(L) 2024’s UK contingent is to comprise two light mechanised battalions equipped with Foxhound patrol vehicles, a light cavalry regiment with Jackal patrol vehicles, and an artillery regiment equipped with 105 mm towed Light Guns, the ministry told Janes on 17 February.

According to the ministry, the 7th Light Mechanised Brigade will have the 2nd Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment and the 4th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, as its infantry component, along with the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, 4th Regiment Royal Artillery, 32 Engineer Regiment, 6 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps, 1 Close Support Battalion, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, and 5 Medical Regiment. These units have a normal combined strength of about 3,000 personnel.