British soldiers have been advancing through Latvia’s forests to test NATO’s defensive capability during Exercise Titan Shield. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Latvia has strengthened its defences on its eastern flank and conducted regular drills to test its ability to fight off a hostile force. The exercise also showcased the hardness of British forces when punching through enemy lines.
The UK soldiers playing the red force in Titan Shield needed to prove their ability when outnumbered, while the blue forces representing Nato had to defend their territory. Reconnaissance troops from both sides hid in the forest unseen for days, calling in enemy targets for their side to take out. The exercise involved being quiet, identifying targets for artillery, and pushing through the enemy.
The coordinates allowed Slovakian artillery, the UK’s allies in the exercise, to target the blue forces. The artillery moved in and out of the forest trying not to be spotted by Nato reconnaissance drones. Spanish artillery forces were among those on the Nato side, waiting for the call to destroy the opposing Zuzana guns while also having to watch their own backs.
Red forces used close air support and other offensive operations to find their Nato counterparts. Major Guy Parker, the Officer Commanding of Aliwal Troop, said that they exploited any opportunities they had gotten, as they were vastly outnumbered and outgunned. Ultimately, Nato forces won the exercise.
