Britain sends FIVE WARSHIPS to Russian border as new Cold War tensions increase
BRITAIN is sending a clear message to Russia and the world that it is a "ready to respond to any threat", the Defence Secretary has said, as he announced a doubling of the UK's naval deployments to Nato.
One of the Navy's Type 45 destroyers will be deployed later this year
Michael Fallon announced today an extra five warships would be sent to Eastern Europe to bolster the alliance's operations along the border with Russia.
But the Kremlin hit back this morning, saying Nato's actions were a destabilising factor designed to contain Russia.
HMS Iron Duke, a Type 23 Frigate, will operate in the Baltic Sea until July and a Type 45 Destroyer will be deployed in October and November.
The Royal Navy has at its disposal more than a dozen of the ageing Type 23s, which were designed to counter the threat from Russia during the Cold War.
Around 400 navy personnel will also be deployed, with the minister telling his counterparts today the increase was intended to show that the UK was ready to defend its allies.
Speaking at a meeting of Nato defence ministers in Brussels, Mr Fallon said: "Increasing our Nato deployments sends a strong message to our enemies that we are ready to respond to any threat, and defend our allies.
NATO says Russian air strikes 'undermining' Syria peace efforts
"2016 will see a particular focus on the Baltic region with our ships sent there as part of the Maritime Group, the Mine Counter Measure Group and the BALTOPS exercise."
BALTOPS is an annual military drill in the Baltic Sea, led by the US Naval Forces in Europe.
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon is in Brussels for a Nato summit
HMS Iron Duke will be the first warship to be sent to the Baltics
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the Brussels summit