Gurkha Artillery Unit Reborn: British Army Tackles Manpower Crisis

For the first time, Gurkha soldiers will assume artillery positions within the British Army as part of a specialized unit established due to the ongoing military recruitment challenges.

The King's Gurkha Artillery (KGA) will comprise 400 out of the current approximately 4,000 Nepalese service members who form part of the Brigade of Gurkhas.

It will witness the soldiers - who have been recruited from Nepal into the British Army over the past two centuries - manning artillery positions for the first time ever.

It is clear that one-third of the KGA will consist of new recruits, with the remaining members coming from current Gurkha units. Telegraph reports.

These plans aim to address the approximately 700-soldier shortfall within the Royal Regiment of Artillery, which will be operated by the KGA.

It is rumored that the role of Gurkhas—which includes various professions but mainly infantry—is being enlarged with the possibility of deploying more troops if needed. Ukraine for Sir Keir Starmer the 'willing coalition.'

This development follows significant challenges in retaining and recruiting personnel within the military. These issues led Defence Secretary John Healey to alter eligibility criteria, notably by permitting cancer survivors to join for the first time.

The initial batch of KGA recruits will start their training phase in November prior to proceeding to the Larkhill Garrison in Wiltshire, which serves as the headquarters for the Royal Artillery, for specialized instruction.

Over the coming four years, KGA troops will receive training on equipment such as the Archer and Light Gun artillery systems—replacements for the AS90s that have been provided to Ukraine.

In the future, they will be prepared to handle the remotely operated Howitzer 155 artillery system.

This aligns with the Prime Minister's promise made earlier this year to deploy troops in Ukraine to safeguard the integrity of any peace agreement the nation reaches with Russia.

However, a defense source has asserted that KGA troops will not be deployed to Ukraine as part of this operation.

The Ministry of Defence stated that the establishment of the new Gurkha battalion will play a crucial role in supporting British artillery missions. This initiative offers numerous opportunities for growth and advancement, serving as an appropriate acknowledgment of their extensive contributions to the United Kingdom over the years.

The Veterans Minister Alistair Carns stated that the Brigade of the Gurkhas has justly gained recognition as one of the best soldier units globally.

He mentioned that the KGA would acknowledge their "significant contributions" and "many years of devoted service."

He stated: "Our administration is already making progress on defense with our Plan for Change, and this recent advancement will aid in retaining Gurkha personnel while safeguarding and defending British interests both domestically and internationally."

Since the end of the Anglo-Nepalese War in 1816—a conflict lasting two years where the British East India Company battled the principality of Gorkha located in today’s western Nepal—Gurkhas have been serving in the British Army.

With the victorious British impressed by Gurkha fighters, the peace treaty agreed Nepalese personnel could volunteer for service with the Company if they wished.

After serving in World Wars I and II, as well as conflicts like those in the Falkland Islands, Afghanistan, and Iraq, the Brigade of Gurkhas has earned itself a reputation for being among the best and most formidable fighters globally.