Army runs secret wargames under central London

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. Army runs secret wargames under central London4 hours ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleTony GrewLondonBritish ArmyThe British Army used Charing Cross as a base of operations The British Army covertly took over a disused part of the London Underground in central London to plan a NATO military response to possible future Russian attacks. Hundreds of British soldiers took part in what the army called "one of the most ambitious military exercises in a generation" in the disused platforms of Charing Cross Underground station. Arrcade Strike was described as "a major command post exercise run by the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC), which is NATO's deployable corps headquarters, led by the British Army".

It was designed to test ARRC's ability to plan and command large-scale military operations involving about 100,000 personnel drawn from the UK and its NATO allies. British ArmyTroops coordinated activity on land, sea, air, space and cyberspace"We have moved from operating in tents and open environments, to commercial buildings, to aircraft hangars, and now to underground locations," explained one commander during last week's exercise. "Operating below ground significantly reduces our signature, makes us harder to find, and improves our chances of surviving attack.

The Details

"An army spokesperson said: "It's a lesson already being applied in Ukraine and by NATO partners on Europe's eastern flank. "Getting underground is not a novelty, it's a survival strategy. "British ArmyThe army chose the disused Tube platforms because of their central locationThe spokesperson added: "The Charing Cross tunnels were chosen because they're disused, spacious enough for a full command post, and crucially, in the heart of a major city, proving the concept works even in the most complex urban environment imaginable.

"The war in Ukraine has reminded the world of a hard truth: threats to peace in Europe are not distant or theoretical. "Russia has mobilised its entire economy, industry and military for war. The security of every NATO country is at stake.

"'Like Stranger Things'From the hidden underground location at Charing Cross, troops coordinated activity on land, sea, air, space and cyberspace. The army said the exercise "was set in a fictional scenario based in 2030, because that's when military planners believe the threat from Russia could be at its most serious". As much of the operation was high-tech, measures were taken to keep it covert.

What Experts Say

British ArmyMeasures were taken to keep the operation covertCorporal Ismaila Ceesay, a 28-year-old information management specialist from Stratford, east London, said part of the exercise was arriving in civilian clothes and changing into uniform only once through the secure barriers. He said: "I've reached into my London roots and adopted a London look to blend in like a local, so no-one can suspect I'm anything but a commuter going to work. "I've got my hoodie on, changed my gait and I try to blend in.

"His family thought he was on leave.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.