UK military personnel from Standing Joint Force Headquarters (SJFHQ) will deploy above the Arctic Circle, to northern Norway as part of Exercise LION APEX 26.
LION APEX 26 is part of the wider exercise LION PROTECTOR 26, a major
multinational activity designed to strengthen security, improve readiness and
reinforce cooperation among northern European allies.
The exercise will see the UK’s SJFHQ establish and operate a forward-deployed Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) Operational Headquarters in support of wider regional activities.
The deployment will demonstrate the UK’s ability as JEF lead nation to move
personnel and equipment rapidly into the High North, command multinational activity, and work closely with allies and partners in support of regional security.
Norway will host the exercise and provide vital support to the deployment, reflecting the strong defence relationship between the two nations and their shared commitment to maintaining stability across Northern Europe.
Operating in Norway will also provide an important opportunity to strengthen
cooperation with the host nation and enhance understanding of the unique
challenges associated with the Arctic and High North environment.
During Exercise LION APEX 26, personnel will rehearse planning, information sharing and multinational coordination, helping ensure participating nations can work together effectively in times of crisis. The activity will also strengthen integration with NATO plans and procedures while demonstrating the readiness and responsiveness of the JEF partnership.
As security challenges continue to evolve across the High North, North Atlantic and Baltic regions, the exercise will underline the importance of cooperation, interoperability and collective preparedness among like-minded nations committed to regional stability and deterrence.
How do personnel sustain the skills, fitness and professional standards required for deployment at short notice?
Readiness is at the heart of the SJFHQ. As an operational headquarters able to deploy at short notice to support military activity and achieve UK and JEF objectives, SJFHQ must maintain a trained, resilient and deployable workforce.
Throughout the year, personnel complete a comprehensive programme of military training, professional development, medical assessments and physical fitness tests. Each requirement strengthens the headquarters’ ability to respond rapidly, integrate with partners and operate confidently in demanding environments.
Confidence and competence on the ranges: Annual weapons training is an
important element of military preparedness. On the ranges, personnel practice safe weapon handling, marksmanship and the correct application of drills under controlled conditions. Training includes the SA80 rifle, followed by small arms practices. This disciplined activity helps personnel retain the competence, confidence and safety awareness required for deployment.
Protection in hazardous environments: Personnel also complete annual General Service Respirator (GSR) testing. This confirms that each individual can correctly prepare, fit, check and wear the respirator, and that an effective seal is achieved. The test reinforces essential protective drills and supports safe operation where chemical, biological, radiological or other environmental hazards may be present.
Continuous professional learning: Mandatory Defence Learning Environment (DLE) training continues throughout the year. These online courses cover essential subjects including security, cyber awareness, health and safety, safeguarding, diversity & inclusion, and Defence policy. Keeping this training current ensures personnel understand their responsibilities and remain prepared for the demands of a complex operating environment.
Medical and physical readiness: Regular medical examinations help confirm that personnel remain medically fit for deployment. Continuous training such as Battlefield Casualty Drills is part of the training matrix and General Service fitness testing provides assurance that individuals meet the physical standards required for military service.
Together, these assessments support personal wellbeing, resilience and the
deployability of the headquarters.
Readiness is not achieved through a single exercise or event. It is built every day through professional discipline, collective effort and a shared commitment to being ready when called.
Every weapons qualification, respirator test, DLE course, medical examination and fitness assessment contributes to a headquarters able to deploy, lead and deliver at pace.
This continuous investment in people and skills enables SJFHQ to remain an agile and credible operational headquarters for the UK and the Joint Expeditionary Force.
Through rigorous preparation, professional excellence and collective determination, the men and women of SJFHQ / JEF remain ready to deploy wherever required and whenever duty calls.
Read more about the JEF here.