Warships, aircraft and military personnel from across the different countries forming the United Kingdom-led JEF (Joint Expeditionary Force) have assembled to undertake a range of military routines to step up security in the Baltic Sea.
The Baltic Sea defence enhancement operation kicked off with logistical missions: ferries of Denmark and the United Kingdom transported military vehicles and equipment to Estonia, which was followed by execution of complex tasks spanning the greater part of the Baltic Sea and conducted by capabilities of five more JEF partner nations. Warship of the said five partner nations carried out security patrols in the Baltic Sea waters together with the Lithuanian Armed Forces.
The operation was led by the JEF framework nation the United Kingdom. It was joined by the forces of Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Sweden. The remaining JEF partners are Iceland, Finland, the Netherlands and Norway.
“Lithuania sees the JEF as one of the primary capabilities to respond to any crises. The Russian war on Ukraine has changed the security environment in the region, to which the JEF responds by fortifying our defence. The JEF has every capability it takes to respond swiftly and effectively,” says Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas.
The JEF is a high-readiness combat unit designed to respond to contingencies in Europe, including the Baltic region. It is formed by maritime, land and air capabilities contributes by 10 partner nations of the Northern Europe: thus security in the Baltic Sea region, the High North and the North Atlantic is ensured.
“The true strength of the JEF is our solidarity and mutual commitment to democracy, security and stability. Our JEF military capability is robust, mobile and resolved. The JEF has never been as important as relevant as today, particularly with regard to the recent developments in Ukraine,” says Standing Joint Force Commander Maj Gen Jim Morris.
The JEF complements the wider strategic NATO posture which was formed after the NATO Summit in Wales in 2014. The primary mission of the JEF is rapid response operations under the flag of the European Union, NATO or the United Nations. JEF elements could be also activated for Article 5 operations.
