2nd Battalion, Operations | 09 April 2026

2nd Battalion on the ground in Poland helping to protect NATO’s eastern flank

Op CABRIT in Poland

One hundred and fifty soldiers from the Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group, 2nd Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, are currently on the ground in Poland, demonstrating the UK’s unwavering commitment to collective defence.

Working on Operation Cabrit (Poland), the Alliance’s enduring mission in Eastern Europe, alongside American, Croatian, Romanian, and Polish forces, the British troops form part of NATO’s Forward Land Forces (FLF). In simple terms it is a year-round, combat-ready force designed to protect allies and deter aggression.

Since arriving in October 2025, The Poachers have maintained an intensive training schedule. Initial integration exercises quickly progressed into complex urban warfare scenarios, designed to prepare troops for operations in built up environments. These culminated in battalion level, combined arms live fire exercises conducted alongside the US led battlegroup.

Specialist elements have also sharpened their capabilities. The Anti Tank Platoon has refined its use of guided weapons systems, while infantry units have worked closely with NATO air assets to practise close air support coordination with aircraft from the Baltic Air Policing mission.

Based on Bemowo Piskie Training Area in North-East Poland, The Poachers operate Jackal, Foxhound and Coyote armoured vehicles alongside the US Army’s 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment 1st Cavalry Division (3-8 Warhorse), who are equipped with the M1A2 Abrams main battle tank. Supporting The Poachers are soldiers from the 4th and 5th Regiment Royal Artillery, the Intelligence Corps, the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, the Royal Logistic Corps, the Royal Signals, and the Royal Military Police.

They are joined by Romanians who provide air defence and Croatian troops who provide a mechanised infantry role.

Their role is clear: reassure the local population, deter adversaries, and stand ready to fight as one force if required.

Read the full story on the British Army website