08:45 30-04-2026

UK and European States Form Joint Northern Naval Force

Официальный веб-сайт Европейского союза / commission.europa.eu

UK and nine European countries form joint naval forces in Northern Europe to coordinate actions and expand presence in Arctic and North Atlantic regions.

The United Kingdom and nine other European countries have agreed to create joint naval forces in Northern Europe.

The grouping will include the United Kingdom, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, the Baltic states, and the Netherlands. The new structure will operate as a supplement to NATO frameworks, focusing on joint training and coordination.

According to the British side, the объединение is intended to ensure readiness for potential military scenarios, including the development of shared plans and full integration of forces.

The initiative builds on the existing Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), led by the United Kingdom and comprising ten Northern European countries. This structure is designed for rapid response to crises and can operate both independently and alongside NATO.

If required, command of the joint naval forces may be conducted from the UK military headquarters in Northwood.

The creation of the grouping comes amid increased attention to northern maritime regions. In recent years, NATO countries have expanded their presence in the Arctic and the North Atlantic, strengthening control over sea routes and infrastructure.

The British side also points to increased Russian activity at sea, estimating that such incidents have grown by about one-third over the past two years. The United States is not part of the new format, though Canada’s possible participation is being discussed.