UK Plans Reserve Call-Up Exercise as Russia Tensions Rise
The exercise will test whether 95,000 former service members can be contacted, mobilised and equipped as ministers seek to strengthen readiness for conflict.
- On Monday, Armed Forces Minister Louise Sandher-Jones announced a major mobilization exercise scheduled for next year, testing Britain's ability to recall members of the 95,000-strong strategic reserve on a scale "we haven't seen for a long time."
- Amid threats from Moscow, the Government is raising the maximum call-up age to 65 and lowering the mobilization threshold to "war-like preparations" to address mounting tensions with Russia and NATO.
- Senior defence figures including Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton warned the UK lacks an "effective system of tracking and engaging" recent leavers, while Lord Robertson of Port Ellen previously noted officials did not "know where most" reserve members were.
- While the UK's regular Army currently stands at around 71,000 personnel, its smallest size in more than 200 years, recruitment recently outpaced departures for the first time since 2021, signaling modest force recovery.
- Under the Armed Forces Bill, new mobilization measures will take effect next spring as Sandher-Jones emphasized the strategic reserve "is a real commitment for those that are in it," reflecting its growing importance amid escalating security threats.
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15 Articles
Great Britain is planning a major exercise for 2027 with its strategic reserve. It will test how quickly former soldiers can be mobilized and equipped.
UK to call up 95,000 retirees to help prepare for war with Russia as WW3 fears explode
UK to call up 95,000 retirees to help prepare for war with Russia as WW3 fears explode | 8 Sep 2026 | The UK is set to call up 95,000 retirees to help prepare for war with Russia as WW3 fears explode. A major drill to mobilise an army of veterans is being planned to take place next year. Louise Sandher-Jones, the Armed Forces minister, said a “strategic reserve” of 95,000 retired troops will be called into action “on a scale we haven’t seen for …
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PressNewsAgencyBritain to mobilise thousands of veterans in major war drill amid growing threat from Russia
Britain is preparing to call up military veterans for a major mobilisation exercise next year as the country strengthens its ability to respond to the growing threat from Russia.Former members of the Army, Royal Navy and RAF will be drawn from the UK's 95,000-strong strategic reserve to test whether they can be contacted, mobilised and equipped during a crisis.Armed Forces Minister Louise Sandher-Jones said the reserve would be exercised "on a s…
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