The Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) has deployed to Liepāja, Latvia, as the forward-based element of Exercise Joint Protector 24, and at the invitation of Latvia’s Government.
Exercise Joint Protector tests the JEF’s ability to act early and respond quickly ahead of a crisis, using a near-real scenario which sees the HQ planning, organising, and delivering several concurrent JEF Response Options (JROs); activities that the JEF can deliver as a means to support NATO’s warfighting capabilities or de-escalate a situation before conflict breaks out. The Liepāja HQ will be home to over 300 personnel from more than ten countries including Ukrainian observers, working together with a core staff in Northwood.
Lieutenant General Leonīds Kalniņš, Latvian Chief of Defence said:
“Joint Protector 2024 is another important step in strengthening Latvia’s and the region’s defence capabilities and improving cooperation with allies. The exercise demonstrates the commitment and capability of the Joint Task Force to strengthen the security of the Baltic region. It is a testament to the readiness of ten like-minded countries to take decisions quickly, as a united force, and to respond to any kind of threat.”
This deployment – the third iteration of Joint Protector – is the latest demonstration of the JEF’s capacity to operate from any chosen location and in response to a wide range of crises. For the 2024 exercise, the UK’s Integrated Warfare Centre has developed and presented a near-real scenario prompting action by the JEF together with national commands, governments, and NATO. In parallel to the exercise environment, the HQ will host several visits and engagements, including participation in Latvia’s Independence Day parade on 18 November.
UK’s Standing Joint Force Commander and JEF Operational HQ Commander, Major General Tom Bateman CBE said:
“Exercises like Joint Protector are about more than just confirming our capability as a high-readiness deployable HQ. They give us the chance to rehearse plans together with our Participant Nations – who have deployed a significant number of advisors and military personnel in support – which enriches our practice as both a supporting organisation to NATO, and an enabling, enhancing function to our respective national Defence Commands. The tension felt by the Baltic States was apparent long before Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine in 2022, making the JEF’s presence here even more important.”
Since 2023 all JEF Participant Nations are now NATO Member States. The JEF is intrinsically connected and complementary to NATO and often works directly with NATO’s Joint Force Commands – including during Exercise Joint Protector. By contributing an additional layer of protection to Northern Europe, the JEF enhances the capability of all its members and partners, whilst supporting NATO as the region’s ultimate security guarantor.