Thousands of British Armed Forces personnel will remain deployed or on standby across the globe on Christmas Day, continuing operations that span Europe, the Middle East, the Indo-Pacific, Africa, the Caribbean, British Overseas Territories and the UK itself.
In Europe, around 900 British Army personnel are deployed in Estonia and Poland as part of NATO’s Forward Land Forces, contributing to deterrence and reassurance along the alliance’s eastern flank. Royal Air Force Typhoon aircraft are also flying NATO missions over Poland under Operation Eastern Sentry, launched earlier this year following Russian drone incursions into Polish and Romanian airspace. Further south, around 260 British soldiers and officers continue to support the UN peacekeeping mission in Cyprus, marking 60 years of operations along the Green Line.
The Royal Navy maintains a continuous presence in the Middle East, operating across the Gulf and Indian Ocean to promote regional stability. In 2025, naval forces intercepted drug trafficking operations on multiple occasions, seizing more than £65 million worth of narcotics. British forces also remain deployed in Iraq and the surrounding region at the request of the Iraqi government, supporting efforts to counter Daesh. RAF aircraft based at Akrotiri conduct surveillance, reconnaissance and, where necessary, strike missions in support of Iraqi Security Forces. Separately, a small UK planning team is embedded within the US-led Civil-Military Coordination Centre focused on post-conflict stability in Gaza.
In the Indo-Pacific, HMS Spey and HMS Tamar continue operations as part of the Royal Navy’s forward presence under Operation Highwall, supporting maritime security and regional stability. British Army deployments in the region exceed 900 personnel, including forces based in Brunei with the Royal Gurkha Rifles. These deployments are complemented by engagement activities with local communities and partners.
Across Africa, the British Army maintains a permanent presence in Kenya through the British Army Training Unit Kenya, supporting training for operations in demanding environments. British personnel are also deployed in Somalia, assisting UN, African Union and Somali National Army efforts through training, medical support and counter-IED capabilities.
In the Caribbean, HMS Trent has taken over duties from HMS Medway as part of the Royal Navy’s permanent presence, recently supporting recovery efforts in Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa. British forces also remain stationed across Overseas Territories, including Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands, where personnel continue to deter aggression and uphold security more than four decades after the Falklands conflict.
Closer to home, Royal Navy vessels, Fleet Air Arm helicopters and Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships continue to monitor Russian naval activity around UK waters, which has increased significantly in recent years. RAF Quick Reaction Alert remains active around the clock, with Typhoon aircraft ready to respond from bases including RAF Lossiemouth and RAF Coningsby. RAF Poseidon aircraft continue maritime patrols, while transport aircraft and helicopters are held at readiness for national emergencies.
Behind the scenes, cyber specialists at MOD Corsham will remain on duty throughout the festive period, protecting defence networks from digital threats. In London and elsewhere, troops will also remain on ceremonial and operational standby, ensuring that defence and security responsibilities continue uninterrupted during the Christmas period.