UK Army Experts Join NATO's War on COVID-19 Disinformation
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has doubled down on the UK’s support for NATO amid the COVID-19 crisis. In a high-stakes video conference with Allied defence ministers, Wallace pledged full backing for NATO’s fight against the deadly virus—and the toxic lies spreading alongside it.
NATO Unites Against the Pandemic and Fake News
The virtual meeting saw NATO defence ministers hashing out strategies to safeguard nearly one billion citizens worldwide. Wallace reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to help Allies tackle all coronavirus challenges, including a fierce battle against disinformation.
To pack a punch, the British Army is deploying two disinformation experts to NATO. Their mission? To expose false narratives and defend democracies from smear campaigns orchestrated by hostile forces.
“NATO can play a key role in the international fight against COVID-19,” Wallace stressed. “Allied solidarity is more important than ever to ensure both the security and the health of our almost one-billion citizens.”
Defence, Deterrence, and Pandemic Response
Besides tackling the virus and misinformation, NATO’s traditional defence role remains front and centre. Wallace highlighted Britain’s ongoing contributions:
- 800 troops stationed in Estonia as part of NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence, boosting regional reassurance.
- Royal Air Force planes policing Baltic airspace under NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission.
The UK is also spearheading global efforts to coordinate public health measures, strengthen fragile health systems, and protect jobs as economies wobble.
Allies Pull Together: PPE Delivered by Air in Record Time
Speed and solidarity were on full display last week when 250,000 pieces of PPE flew into RAF Brize Norton from Turkey, including 50,000 N-95 masks, 100,000 surgical masks, and 100,000 protective suits. This lifeline was made possible by NATO’s Rapid Air Mobility system, designed to deliver critical supplies swiftly across member states.
Wallace also thanked Turkey for the PPE and Germany for sending 60 ventilators to the UK, showing that Allied teamwork is crucial in this global battle.
