Seven Decades of Security: NATO at 70
As the world’s most successful alliance turns 70 it remains the cornerstone of UK defence.
An early meeting of NATO. Image copyright NATO
As the world’s most successful alliance turns 70 it remains the cornerstone of UK defence.
The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation was founded on April 4 in 1949, with its first headquarters in Belgravia, London. Since then the alliance has grown from 12 to 29 countries, all bound by the shared purpose of peace, democracy, freedom and cooperation.
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said:
As a founding member, the UK has had a leading role in NATO for seventy years. Today on NATO’s 70th anniversary more than five and a half thousand British personnel are deployed around the globe helping to preserve peace, prevent conflict and to protect our people.
Our world is changing, but one thing remains unchanged. The UK’s commitment to NATO is unwavering and we stand together with our allies to safeguard our security for the future.
The NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, today. Image copyright NATO
UK personnel are serving on operations around the world. From helping to train the Afghan National Army to working alongside allies in Estonia and flying air policing missions in Romania, the UK Armed Forces help to keep Britain safe through their role in NATO.
This month the UK is hosting over 10,000 personnel from across NATO as part of Exercise Joint Warrior. Taking place on land, at sea and in the air, the exercise allows allies to train together to protect mutual interests and maintain their ability to prevent conflict.
Later this year London will once again welcome NATO leaders, demonstrating the UK’s enduring commitment to NATO and strengthening the bonds that have maintained peace in the past and will safeguard our security for the future.