Ten European nations have signed a statement of intent to establish a specialized unit under the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) aimed at countering Russian threats in northern maritime regions.
The JEF, a UK-led defense coalition formed in 2014, was created to improve rapid military coordination among partner nations.
Alongside the United Kingdom, the alliance includes the Netherlands, the five Nordic countries, and the three Baltic states, strengthening security across the High North, North Atlantic, and Baltic Sea regions.
Canada is reportedly considering joining the group, while the United States remains outside the framework amid tensions between Washington and London related to the Middle East conflict involving Iran.
Headquarters in London
According to Jenkins, the new force will conduct joint training and operations and could be directed from the UK’s maritime headquarters in Northwood, northwest London.
Integrating Autonomy With ‘Hybrid Navy’
Jenkins further stated that the initiative will support the UK’s “Hybrid Navy” strategy, which aims to enhance naval capabilities by introducing unmanned escort vessels alongside conventional warships within the next two years, increasing operational capacity at reduced cost.
