It is the first time heavily armoured vehicles have been transported through the tunnel, a move which reflects the growing concern regarding Vladimir Putin’s actions on Europe’s eastern borders.
The successful military drill gives Britain an extra choice to transport defence equipment across the Europe, making the UK more efficient at mobilising troops, should conflict arise.
In the show of force, five tanks were loaded onto trains and sent to France at around midnight Wednesday. They completed the return journey soon after, completing the practice operation.
MOD
British tanks were transported through the Channel Tunnel for the first time on Wednesday
A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: “The Army successfully conducted an exercise to test the viability of using the Channel Tunnel to move vehicles and equipment to mainland Europe, adding to the existing range of options available and increasing the agility of our Armed Forces.”
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They added on Twitter: “British Army moving tanks through Channel Tunnel in long-planned test tonight – means we can move kit by rail as well as sea & air.”
This move comes just days after America sent thousands of troops to Eastern Europe in an attempt to calm NATO allies concerned by the election of Donald Trump.
GETTY
Thousands of American troops have been sent to Eastern Europe
Unlike outgoing president Barack Obama, Mr Trump is not a supporter of NATO and far from critical of Mr Putin and his actions in eastern Europe.
Last week, 4,000 soldiers arrived in Russia with the express instruction to “deter and defend”.
GETTY
Tensions between the USA and Russia have remained high during President Obama's two terms in charge
Major General Timothy McGuire of the US Land Forces in Europe team said the deployment was a “concrete sign of the continued US commitment to the defence of Poland and the NATO alliance”.
Polish Defense Minister Antoni Macierewicz said the soldiers would ensure “freedom, independence and peace in Europe and the whole world”.
A similar deal was agreed with Latvia last week, while yesterday it was revealed even more US troops are being sent to Lithuania and Estonia in another show of force.
GETTY
The US troops have been deployed in an attempt to calm NATO allies
Lithuanian defence minister Raimundas Karoblis said yesterday: “We are interested in the continued presence of American troops in Lithuania, as this is one of the key elements of our security.”
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