8 ENGINEER BRIGADE
Forging the Shield:
Exercise AUSTERE SHIELD 25 Validates UK Corps Enablement in Eastern Europe
Lt Col Christopher Coles MBE
Forging the Shield: Exercise AUSTERE SHIELD 25 Validates UK Corps Enablement in Eastern Europe
In the autumn of 2025, over 650 British troops and 365 vehicles traversed more than 1,600km from the UK to Latvia, marking the largest UK deployment to the Baltic state in history. Exercise AUSTERE SHIELD 25( Ex AS25), a multinational validation exercise nested within the strategic framework of Operation TARASSIS, was a bold demonstration of the UK’ s expeditionary engineering and logistics capability— and a clear signal of resolve to deter Russian aggression.
Conducted from September to November across Eastern Europe, Ex AS25 validated the Theatre Enablement Group( TEG) and its Engineer Group( TEG Engr Gp) to Training Level Delta, while also serving as the first operational runout for HQ 8 Engineer Brigade( 8X) in its new role as the Corps Engineer Brigade HQ. The exercise was a cornerstone of the Joint Expeditionary Force( JEF) rehearsal, showcasing infrastructure enablement in austere environments and interoperability with NATO and partner nations including Latvia, Denmark, Canada, and Estonia.
Setting the Conditions for Corps Operations
The TEG— a scalable joint logistics and engineer formation— is designed to be first on the ground, setting conditions for the inload of fighting brigades. Its
capabilities span from catering and hygiene to specialist port assessments and explosive ordnance disposal( EOD). Once combat elements arrive, the TEG transitions to Corps Rear support, forming the connective tissue between the Joint Support Logistics Group( JSLG) and divisional rear areas.
Under HQ 8X, 36 Engineer Group operated as part of the proposed Multinational Engineer Brigade( MNEB), enabling the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps( ARRC) to live, move, and fight. The exercise tested the full spectrum of Corps enablement functions, including engineering logistics, procurement at reach, and contracted support management— proving the concept of force multiplication in a contested theatre.
Engineering Excellence and Tactical Innovation
Ex AS25 involved five major units and 13 subunits, including 36 Engr Regt, 9 Regt RLC, 23 Para Engr Regt, 104 TSB, and the Staff Corps. A total of 38 engineering tasks were executed, supported by 10 design studies ranging from feasibility assessments for ports and airfields to infrastructure enhancement at Air and Sea Points of Disembarkation( APODs / SPODs).
Force protection was paramount, with counter-explosive ordnance( C-EO) training, UXO clearance, and fortification of high-value targets integrated into the exercise. Operating within 130km of the Russian border, the Brigade faced real-world threats including espionage, cyber activity, and sabotage. The application of robust tactics, techniques, and procedures— tested by stringent opposition forces( OPFOR) serials— ensured mission assurance under pressure.
Interoperability Milestones
Ex AS25 was a proving ground for innovation and multinational cooperation. Among its many firsts:
• Deployment of UK Geo capability onto OPNET.
• UK-enabled Canadian Tactical Landing Zone( TLZ) operation in Latvia.
• First UK exploitation of Lielvarde airbase.
• Use of Latvian Armed Forces heavy equipment transporters for UK plant.
• Host nation trust-building enabling Royal Military Police( RMP) convoy management.
• Visual and infrared drone camouflage assessments.
• Transfer of Canadian logistics supplies on UK vehicles.
These achievements not only enhanced operational effectiveness but also deepened relationships with host nation forces and NATO allies.
Legacy and Lessons
Ex AS25 validated HQ 8X and the TEG Engr Gp as ARRC-ready formations, marking the first conventional warfighting deployment for HQ 8X since Op RESCRIPT. The exercise left a tangible legacy in Latvia— from infrastructure improvements to strengthened defence partnerships.
Lessons learned spanned assurance, sustainment, communications, and threat mitigation, informing future iterations and doctrinal development. As the UK continues to lead within the JEF framework, Ex AS25 stands as a testament to the agility, professionalism, and strategic relevance of its Corps enablement capability.
24 WINTER 2025 the imjin @ HQARRC NATO Allied Rapid Reaction Corps @ HQARRC