Britain is sending 800 assault troops to Europe’s border with Russia in the UK’s largest military deployment against Moscow since the Cold War.

An advance spearhead of more than 120 soldiers flew to Estonia to bolster the nation’s defences against the military might of Vladimir Putin.

Backed by 300 armoured vehicles including Challenger 2 tanks, the force will swell to 800 within weeks.

It is part of a huge NATO operation in Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia and Poland to strengthen 700 miles of Eastern Europe’s borders with Russia.

We joined British soldiers, part of the 5 Rifles battle group, as they jetted from RAF Brize Norton, Oxon, to Estonia via Germany.

The mood was one of calm and focus. Captain Gav Dunlop said: “I’m not really worried if we get into a full tank battle. We are trained and ready.”

Troops landed at Amari air base near the capital Tallinn, and will be sent to Tapa army base, which blocks the main route from Russia to the city.

In total there will be more than 4,000 international troops pitted against a Russian attack in the four countries.

The mood was one of calm and focus. Captain Gav Dunlop said: “I’m not really worried if we get into a full tank battle. We are trained and ready.”

Troops landed at Amari air base near the capital Tallinn, and will be sent to Tapa army base, which blocks the main route from Russia to the city.

In total there will be more than 4,000 international troops pitted against a Russian attack in the four countries. READ MORE