The UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) could effectively perform some NATO functions for Northern European countries while responding to crises faster than the Atlantic alliance, according to Britain’s First Sea Lord, General Gwyn Jenkins. His assessment was reported by The Times.

Jenkins identified the JEF’s more flexible decision-making system as one of its main advantages. Joint action does not require unanimous approval from all ten participating countries, allowing the coalition to move from political consultations to practical measures more quickly. NATO, by contrast, requires a higher level of coordination among its members before action can begin, making its response process slower.

The British military chief said NATO leaders support deeper cooperation within the JEF. The format gives participating states additional options during the early stages of a crisis, before the alliance activates its own mechanisms. Jenkins argued that this makes the force operationally important for Northern Europe.

The Joint Expeditionary Force was established in 2014. Its members are the United Kingdom, Denmark, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Finland, Sweden and Estonia.

The participating countries conduct joint military exercises, while the stated purpose of the JEF is to strengthen the ability of Northern European and Baltic armed forces to respond rapidly to crises.

On April 29, Jenkins also announced that Britain and its Northern European allies were preparing a new maritime partnership aimed at countering Russia. He proposed using the JEF model as the foundation for the initiative.

The plan calls for the creation of naval forces whose members would train together, hold joint exercises and prepare in advance for possible operations.