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The British Armed Forces (alternately the British Army or simply BAF) is a BLUFOR faction in ArmA 2. It was added with the release of the British Armed Forces DLC.

Overview[]

« Utrinque Paratus (Ready For Anything)
British paratroopers motto
»

Background[]

Representing the armed forces of the United Kingdom, the British Army is one of the most technologically advanced factions in the series alongside their counterparts from the United States.

They are initially deployed as part of the joint NATO task force during the invasion of Takistan as part of Operation Arrowhead. Following the invasion and removal of its dictator Colonel Aziz, their role shifted to peacekeeping duties and training the New Takistani Army (NTA).[1]

The contingent in Takistan comprises of several companies' worth of troopers from the 2nd Battalion, Parachute Regiment (2 PARA)[2] that are involved in the ongoing stabilisation efforts and counterinsurgency operations.

History[]

A few days after the ultimatum issued to the Takistani government passes, U.S.-led NATO forces initiate Operation Arrowhead.[3]

Though they were not present in Zargabad in the final stages of the campaign, British forces helped to secure the western and southern parts of the country while the main bulkhead of U.S. Army forces took down the Colonel himself.

Events of Operation Arrowhead (2012)[]

Working alongside their Czech and German counterparts, the bulk of British Army ground troops and Special Air Service (SAS) teams were based in Karzeghi territory prior to the main invasion.[4][5][6] When the deadline expired on the eve of the invasion, Operation Arrowhead was given the green light from NATO command, and British forces from Task Force Rook and Task Force Queen crossed over the border into Takistani territory.[3]

A combination of Royal Marines and a Fleet Air Arm (estimated squadron-sized) from the Royal Navy participated in the main assault against the southern cities of Karichar and Bandar-e-Ghazmi.[7] British jets also sunk several Takistani naval gunboats and light cruisers alongside their American counterparts.[8] A few SAS teams infiltrated and sabotaged key government facilities and military installations in both cities.[7]

SAS teams later hunted down the last of the SCUD ballistic missile launchers that were primed towards neighbouring Karzeghistan and coalition forces.[9][3]

Events of Operation Crimson Lance (2012)[]

SPOILER ALERT

NOTE: This section contains spoilers from ArmA 2: British Armed Forces' 'Crimson Lance' campaign.

Arma2-campaign-crimsonlance-00

Counterinsurgency warfare becomes the main focus of British forces as they work to eliminate the last of the pro-Aziz groups in the country.

Operation Crimson Lance is in full effect as the British Army's strategic mission transitions into a counterinsurgency campaign in order to root out the remaining elements of the Takistani Army, still loyal to the (now deceased) Colonel Aziz.[10]

Notably amongst the British contingent in Takistan, Sergeant Brian Frost leads his squad (callsign Lancer Red) in an effort to restore stability and trust with the various villages and tribes scattered throughout the countryside.[10]

They defuse numerous Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted by the Takistani Army remnants[11][12], deliver humanitarian and medical aid supplies to Non-Government Organisations operating in the country[13][14], and provide security for other allied forces in the region.[15]

Arma2-campaign-crimsonlance-01

British forces gear up for one last fight as they assault the main Takistani Army remnant base.

After being tipped off by intelligence sources, coalition forces eventually discover the main base being used by the Takistani Army remnants.

In a joint raid with American forces and the local authorities, they assault the base and put an end to the last remnants of the insurgency with minimal casualties.[16]

Post-Operation Crimson Lance[]

Arma2-country-takistan-01

Post-invasion NATO deployment. British forces maintain security along the nation's southern border with Karzeghistan (2012-2013)

With the threat of the pro-Aziz Takistani Army remnants finally neutralised and the country's situation mostly under control, the British Army begins the withdrawal of all its combat forces out of the country.[17][18] A small force of non-combat personnel remains behind to assist the on-going stabilisation operations but mostly stay in the secure and safer green zones.

« Operation Crimson Lance was rough - I lost a lot of good lads and for no good reason. We were crying out for more airframes, more bloody tanks. Resources just weren't there - and as for the Yanks..
Brian Frost reminiscing bitterly post-Crimson Lance
»

However, their pullout alongside other NATO forces in the region also sets the country's gradual slide into civil warfare yet again.[19] Almost a year after the invasion's end, the various tribes of the country, no longer unconditionally supportive of the West, compete against the NTA for control of the country.[3]

Back in the United Kingdom, efforts to nudge the government into outsourcing the task of stabilising post-war Takistan to private military contractors were being heavily lobbied.[20] In response, the UK government announced that it is due to publish a White Paper examining the role and potential benefits that PMCs could provide.[21]

Disgusted with the turn of events and the sacrifices of his men being all for naught, Brian Frost applies to be discharged from the British Army and joins up with the ION Services private military company.[3]

Events of The East Wind (2035)[]

« Two decades of economic misery simply cannot be ignored. Britain is an island, not an empire! The answer is no longer 'send a gunboat' - it hasn't been the answer for the last fifty years.
Jackson Irvine, MP for South Shields
»

Though not physically present during the events of The East Wind, conventional British forces were a component of the U.S.-led Task Force Aegis. They were initially assigned to peacekeeping duties alongside a contingent of troops from the U.S. Army on the Republic of Altis and Stratis.[22]

Arma3-campaign-survive-intro-01

The motion to extend the deployment is defeated in Parliament (2035)

However, an attempt to extend their deployment by the incumbent Prime Minister, Nicholas Ramsden, was rejected by an overwhelming majority vote in Parliament. With no hope of its renewal, the mandate expired on its own and British peacekeepers would be scheduled to withdraw from the island nation.[23]

Facing civil unrest at home, a battered and stagnant economy, and the nation still in the grips of a two decade-long depression[24], the British military can barely afford to maintain operations on its home soil; let alone on foreign shores.[25]

« In the UK, parliament was recalled for an urgent debate and vote over the possible redeployment of British peacekeeping forces on Stratis. [...] Prime Minister Nicholas Ramsden said he would respect the defeat of his government's motion, which, effectively, ruled out the possibility of any extension to the NATO deployment in the former sovereign territory.
AAN report on the failure of the Ramsden ministry's attempt to renew the deployment
»

They are mentioned on several news broadcasts as having been pulled out by no later than by the end of May 2035, barely two months prior to the breakout of hostilities between the Altis Armed Forces and the remaining American peacekeepers on Stratis.[23][26]

Post-Old Man[]

Arma3-faction-britisharmedforces-00

UKSF in training exercises with NATO partners (2037)

A moderately-sized contingent of British special operations and regular Army forces took part in "Exercise Electron-39", a joint training operation held once every two years in Livonia's Nadbór region.[27]

They were part of the 25,000 man force which consisted of troops from the United States, the United Kingdom, Livonia, and other NATO members.[27] Alongside their allies, the exercises involved American and British troops alternating between repelling an invasion and roleplaying as a Russian military invasion force (with the Livonians also playing the role of the defenders/aggressors).[28]

Events of First Contact (2039)[]

Spinoff noncanon
SPIN-OFF: The following information stems from a spin-off expansion or third party Creator DLC and is considered to be non-canon in the main Armaverse timeline.
SPINOFF INFORMATION

On June 12th, 2039, a friendly fire incident involving one of the American contingent's UCAVs resulted in the deaths of several Livonian soldiers. The incident put an immediate halt to the exercise and was ultimately cancelled - with all British and U.S. troops barred from leaving the country until a full investigation into the incident could be finished.[29]

Two weeks passed but British flights were still grounded and were not cleared by the Livonian government to leave or enter its airspace.[30] Diplomatic tensions between the United States and Livonia soon reached boiling point as the Americans stubbornly refused to accept any liability for the incident.[29]

This eventually culminated in Electron-39's total cancellation, with all foreign NATO personnel - British included - scheduled to depart from the country in less than 48 hours.[29]

Equipment[]


Arma2-camouflage-baf

Camouflage patterns used by ArmA 2-era British forces from left-to-right:
- DDPM (British Army, Takistan)
- Multi-Terrain Pattern (British Army, Takistan)
- DPM (British Army, Chernarus)

For ballistic protection, British Army troopers mostly wear the Osprey Mk2 body armour vest as well as Mk7 combat helmets as headwear. Like their American counterparts, most troopers are also issued a set of night vision goggles for use in low-visibility conditions.

Personal gear is usually camouflaged with the DPM/DDPM patterns for use in either woodland or desert environments (respectively), though the contingent in Takistan primarily utilises the newer Multi-Terrain Pattern (MTP) universal camouflage pattern.

Arsenal[]

Armoury[]

Image

Name Description
Arma2-icon-as50

AS50

Anti-Materiel Sniper Rifle
Calibre: 12.7×99 mm NATO
Arma2-icon-javelin

FGM-148 Javelin

Anti-Tank Missile Launcher
Diameter: 127 mm
Arma2-icon-stinger

FIM-92F Stinger

Surface-to-Air Missile Launcher
Diameter: 70 mm
Arma2-icon-lrr

LRR

Sniper Rifle
Calibre: .338 Lapua Magnum
Arma2-icon-l7a2

L7A2 GPMG

General-Purpose Machine Gun
Calibre: 7.62×51 mm NATO
Arma2-icon-l85a2

L85A2

Bullpup Assault Rifle
Calibre: 5.56×45 mm NATO
Arma2-icon-l86a2

L86A2 LSW

Bullpup Designated Marksman Rifle
Calibre: 5.56×45 mm NATO
Arma2-icon-l110a1

L110A1

Light Machine Gun
Calibre: 5.56×45 mm NATO
Arma2-icon-m1911

M1911

Handgun
Calibre: .45 ACP
PCML

NLAW

Anti-Tank Missile Launcher
Diameter: 150 mm

Motor Pool[]

Vehicle Role Notes
Arma2-render-ah1
Apache AH-1
Heavy Attack Helicopter - British Armed Forces DLC-exclusive vehicle
- Cannot transport any passengers
Arma2-render-wildcat
AH-11 Wildcat
Utility Helicopter - British Armed Forces DLC-exclusive vehicle
- Can transport up to 8 passengers
Arma2-render-atv
ATV
All-Terrain Vehicle - Operation Arrowhead DLC-exclusive vehicle
- Can transport a single passenger
Arma2-render-chinookhc4
Chinook HC4
Heavy Transport Helicopter - British Armed Forces DLC-exclusive vehicle
- Can transport up to 24 passengers
Arma2-render-warrior
FV510 Warrior
Infantry Fighting Vehicle - British Armed Forces DLC-exclusive vehicle
- Can transport up to 7 passengers
Arma2-render-jackal
Jackal 2 MWMIK
Armoured Patrol Vehicle - British Armed Forces DLC-exclusive vehicle
- Can transport up to 2 passengers
Arma2-render-merlin
Merlin HC3
Medium-Lift Transport / Utility Helicopter - British Armed Forces DLC-exclusive vehicle
- Can transport up to 17 passengers
Arma2-render-militaryoffroadtan
Military Offroad
Light Utility Vehicle - Operation Arrowhead DLC-exclusive vehicle
- Can transport up to 7 passengers
Arma2-render-mtvrdesert
MTVR
Utility Truck - Variable transportation capacity depending on variant
- Has dedicated variants that can repair, rearm, and refuel ground vehicles

Gallery[]

Video[]

References[]

  1. Bohemia Interactive a.s., 2010, British Armed Forces, Arma 2, viewed 18 April 2023, <https://www.arma2.com/arma-2-baf-factions/a2-baf-british-armed-forces>.
  2. Bohemia Interactive a.s., 2010, Sgt. Brian Frost, Arma 2, viewed 18 April 2023, <https://www.arma2.com/arma-2-baf-characters/sgt-brian-frost>.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Mořický, K et al. 2011, Armaverse Timeline, Bohemia Interactive Community Wiki, viewed 18 April 2023, <https://community.bistudio.com/wiki/Armaverse_Timeline>.
  4. Mořický, K 2010, NATO training exercises planned for Green Sea Region, AAN Online, viewed 19 April 2023, <http://aan.moricky.com/en/europe/18-nato-training-exercises-in-2010.html>.
  5. Mořický, K 2010, British Armed Forces Defuse Shapur Bomb, AAN Online, viewed 18 April 2023, <http://aan.moricky.com/en/europe/27-british-armed-forces-defuse-shapur-bomb.html>.
  6. Bohemia Interactive a.s., 2010, Shapur's Silent Suffering, Arma 2, viewed 18 April 2023, <https://www.arma2.com/arma-2-baf-shapur/shapurs-silent-suffering>.
  7. 7.0 7.1 ARMA 2: Operation Arrowhead 2010 [Video Game], Bohemia Interactive a.s., Operation Arrowhead, Backstab, "British SAS troops seize port authority building of Bandar-e Ghazmi; harbour area secured by Royal Marines.", AAN News
  8. ARMA 2: Operation Arrowhead 2010 [Video Game], Bohemia Interactive a.s., Operation Arrowhead, Backstab, "British RN Harriers sink Takistani light cruiser 'Pride of Chalang' in Salak Darya delta.", AAN News
  9. ARMA 2: British Armed Forces 2010 [Video Game], Bohemia Interactive a.s., Scud Busters, "In the days immediately following the invasion, British SAS troops were inserted into the Takistani desert to hunt for mobile Scud launchers. Patrol Golf-3 has been ordered to execute a hasty attack on a nearby mobile launcher which was spared by the Coalition air strikes, and is currently preparing to launch its deadly cargo. The site must be destroyed."
  10. 10.0 10.1 ARMA 2: British Armed Forces 2010 [Video Game], Bohemia Interactive a.s., Operation Crimson Lance, Blue Jam, "Despite the effort of both the NATO contingent and newly formed Takistani Police Forces, hardened followers of the old regime have mounted a powerful insurgency movement. The insurgent's power base is rooted in the central Takistan, where they pose a real threat to the oil and mining industries - vital assets for the redeveloment of this fledgling nation. - On 20 July 2012, the Allied JOC plans to launch a major offensive upon conventional insurgent forces in Central Takistan, code-named: 'Crimson Lance'. The intent of the JOC is to strike deep into insurgent controlled area, disrupting safe havens and logistical connections, which presently undermine the industrial stabilization and humanitarian efforts in the area. - Elements of 2 Parachute Batallion - including your section - will converge upon two major bases in the area: FOB Arizona and FOB Revolver. Immediately after landing, your section is to rest, replenish all supplies and prepare for combat operations, which will commence on the morning of July 20."
  11. ARMA 2: British Armed Forces 2010 [Video Game], Bohemia Interactive a.s., Operation Crimson Lance, Lancers, "Frosty, we're through. If you get your sorry arse in trouble, count on us!"
  12. ARMA 2: British Armed Forces 2010 [Video Game], Bohemia Interactive a.s., Operation Crimson Lance, Lancers, "FROST: Lancer Red to Lion: IED disarmed, triggerman KIA, zero casualties. LION: Roger that. Good job out there, Lancer Red. Go win some hearts and minds. Lion out."
  13. ARMA 2: British Armed Forces 2010 [Video Game], Bohemia Interactive a.s., Operation Crimson Lance, Lancers, "Ahh, you found it! Thanks a lot, Sergeant. Listen, Dr. Hrabec, my colleague, he is now with the local warlord and his guerilla hunters. I will give him a call, he may negotiate some help."
  14. ARMA 2: British Armed Forces 2010 [Video Game], Bohemia Interactive a.s., Operation Crimson Lance, Lancers, "Thank you, Sergeant, we are grateful. These medicines are badly needed. The tribe of Jilavur is in debt, we can assist in defending your base. I think you will soon need every hand you can muster."
  15. ARMA 2: British Armed Forces 2010 [Video Game], Bohemia Interactive a.s., Operation Crimson Lance, Heat, "Your boys just won us The Battle of Reegshur Valley, Lancer Red."
  16. ARMA 2: British Armed Forces 2010 [Video Game], Bohemia Interactive a.s., Operation Crimson Lance, Mountain Lair, "The outstanding performance of the Coalition task force in the final attack has lead to the complete victory over the last insurgent armed formation in the mountains of Sarman Ghar. The success of operation Crimson Lance will surely lead to the successful conclusion of the NATO counter-insurgency campaign in Takistan. The performance of Lancer Red in this final step of the operation was outstanding. Congratulations."
  17. Bohemia Interactive a.s., 2010, ION, Inc., Arma 2, viewed 19 April 2023, <https://www.arma2.com/arma-2-pmc-factions/a2omc-ion>.
  18. Bohemia Interactive a.s., 2010, Arma 2: Private Military Company Features, Arma 2, viewed 19 April 2023, <https://www.arma2.com/game-features/pmc>.
  19. ARMA 2: Private Military Company 2010 [Video Game], Bohemia Interactive a.s., Operation Black Gauntlet, \ca\video_pmc\cp10_outro_b.ogv, 00:24, "The attack comes amid heightened tensions in Takistan. Analysts have suggested that the draw down of NATO troops, combined with fractious power struggles between numerous guerilla groups, has exacerbated the security situation.", AAN News
  20. ARMA 2: Private Military Company 2010 [Video Game], Bohemia Interactive a.s., Operation Black Gauntlet, \ca\video_pmc\cp10_outro_b.ogv, 00:35, "Calls for the extension of private sector contracts are increasing, in an attempt to spread the load currently placed on the New Takistani Army, and remaining peacekeeping forces.", AAN News
  21. ARMA 2: Private Military Company 2010 [Video Game], Bohemia Interactive a.s., Operation Black Gauntlet, \ca\video_pmc\cp10_outro_b.ogv, 01:01, "The UK government is due to publish a white paper in the coming weeks, examining the role that private contractors will play in current, and future engagements.", AAN News
  22. ARMA 3 2013 [Video Game], Bohemia Interactive a.s., The East Wind, \a3\missions_f_epa\video\a_in_intro.ogv, 00:55, "In the UK, parliament was recalled for an urgent debate and vote over the possible redeployment of British peacekeeping forces on Stratis.", AAN News
  23. 23.0 23.1 ARMA 3 2013 [Video Game], Bohemia Interactive a.s., The East Wind, \a3\missions_f_epa\video\a_in_intro.ogv, 01:00, "Prime Minister Nicholas Ramsden said he would respect the defeat of his government's motion, which, effectively, ruled out the possibility of any extension to the NATO deployment in the former sovereign territory.", AAN News
  24. ARMA 3 2013 [Video Game], Bohemia Interactive a.s., The East Wind, \a3\missions_f_epa\video\a_in_intro.ogv, 01:02, "Two decades of economic misery cannot be ignored. [...] Britain is an island not an empire! [...] The answer is no longer: 'send a gunboat' - it hasn't been the answer for the last 50 years.", AAN News
  25. ARMA 3 2013 [Video Game], Bohemia Interactive a.s., The East Wind, Drawdown 2035, "The Brits are broke, man. Everyone knows it. They can't even afford to defend their pointless little islands any more."
  26. ARMA 3 2013 [Video Game], Bohemia Interactive a.s., The East Wind, Beyond Recognition, "The British? The Brits are no longer operating in this area. To my knowledge, they've been out since May. And, regardless, we had no record of a Scott Miller."
  27. 27.0 27.1 ARMA 3: Contact 2019 [Video Game], Bohemia Interactive a.s., First Contact, False Negative, \a3\missions_f_contact\data\img\intro1\articles\intro1_aan_image1_electron_co.paa, "The Electron exercises began in 2035 and occur every two years. About 14,000 Livonian and 10,000 US personnel are taking part this week, as well as 1,000 from the UK and other NATO states. Attending forces will focus on interoperability, CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) defenses, and Electronic Warfare.", AAN News
  28. ARMA 3: Contact 2019 [Video Game], Bohemia Interactive a.s., First Contact, False Negative, "Anyway... Our boys are pushing East... From the Kaliningrad border. Obviously, in this scenario, roleplaying as the Russians. That means, we'll be facing-off against the Livonian Defense Force. Already this morning, we've put some pressure on their MSR... here. Later today, they'll counterattack. Dominating the high ground south of our position. To simulate this, we're doing a lot of live fire on this hill."
  29. 29.0 29.1 29.2 ARMA 3: Contact 2019 [Video Game], Bohemia Interactive a.s., First Contact, Going Dark, \a3\missions_f_contact\data\img\intro2\articles\intro2_aan_image1_accident_co.paa, "A US board of inquiry has said it is "very unlikely" Russian provocateurs were behind the June 19 training accident in Livonia. The incident occurred when a Greyhawk UAV overshot its target and dropped a GPS guided bomb on a military site, claiming the lives of 7 Livonians and 1 American. Allegations of human error and a strongly-worded denial of responsibility from the White House have led to a collapse in US-Livonian relations, as well as the cancellation of the exercises themselves, creating a logistics nightmare and leaving 11,000 overseas personnel stranded.", AAN News
  30. ARMA 3: Contact 2019 [Video Game], Bohemia Interactive a.s., First Contact, Going Dark, \a3\missions_f_contact\data\img\intro2\articles\intro2_aan_image2_small_co.paa, "Livonia logistics chaos leaves British and US soldiers stranded., AAN News

External links[]

See also[]

Factions of ArmA 2
BLUFOR USMCCDFU.S. ArmyKSKACRBritish Army
REDFOR Russian Armed ForcesChDKZTakistani ArmyTakistani Militia
INDFOR NAPATakistani RebelsUnited NationsION
Operation Arrowhead | British Armed Forces
Factions - BLUFOR (ArmA 2)
USMCCDFU.S. ArmyKSKACRBritish Army
Operation Arrowhead | British Armed Forces
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