Important Facts of the News
- JEF launches an enhanced partnership with Ukraine to boost Euro-Atlantic security.
- Focus placed on High North and Baltic Sea defence collaborations.
- Training of Ukrainian forces and deeper cooperation on drones, infrastructure protection, battlefield medicine, and counter-disinformation included.
- New exercise series named ‘Lion’ set to begin in coordination with NATO in 2026.
- Tarassis was JEF’s largest exercise, involving 1,700 UK personnel across the Baltic region.
- First-time participation by Ukrainian Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal in JEF meetings.
- JEF comprises 10 nations, with the UK in a leading role.
- Activation of ‘Nordic Warden’ system addressed Russian threats to undersea infrastructure in 2025.
JEF and Ukraine Move Closer on Defence Cooperation
The Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) is set to take its collaboration with Ukraine to a new level, as defence ministers from the UK and nine allied nations formalise an enhanced security partnership. This fresh agreement is centred on the protection of shared Euro-Atlantic interests, especially in the strategically vital High North and Baltic Sea regions.
Ukrainian Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal attended the recent JEF meeting in Bodø, Norway, marking a notable milestone in defence relations. The new partnership aims to provide specialised training for Ukrainian armed forces, and foster cooperation in areas such as critical undersea infrastructure safeguarding, drone technology, battlefield medical care, and combating disinformation.
Tarassis Exercise Shows JEF’s Unity and Strength
The announcement builds on the completion of Tarassis, the largest military exercise in JEF’s 11-year history. Over two months, more than 1,700 UK personnel joined forces with other JEF nations across Sweden, Norway, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and surrounding waters. The UK, as the lead nation, demonstrated its readiness to defend Allied security swiftly and decisively.
UK Defence Leadership and Future Plans
UK Defence Secretary John Healey underscored the strategic importance of the partnership, stating that collaboration with Ukraine reinforces national defence and supports the government’s broader security agenda. He also highlighted that the involvement of Ukraine enriches JEF member states with vital battlefield insights.
The Bodø meeting also paved the way for the next major exercise series, codenamed ‘Lion’, which will be closely aligned with NATO’s security strategy. As rising tensions in the region underscore the need for vigilant defence, the JEF’s efforts signify a concrete commitment to regional security and collective resilience.
Standing Firm Against Russian Aggression
As part of its strategic response to escalating Russian activities, the JEF activated its Nordic Warden system earlier this year to monitor threats against undersea infrastructure while keeping close watch on Russia’s shadow naval fleet. This initiative followed reports of severe damage to an undersea cable in the Baltic Sea, reinforcing the importance of monitoring and defending critical maritime infrastructure.