The Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) is a coalition of ten like-minded Northern European NATO nations focused on mutual support and cooperation, and which share a commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. The Participant Nations are Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the UK as the Framework Nation.
By collaborating, training, and operating together, the JEF enhances collective capability and develops interoperability. In turn, through persistent activity and signature exercises, the JEF demonstrates its readiness to act as a regionally focused collective, whilst being prepared to support NATO as the ultimate security guarantor for the region.
The JEF can integrate into larger international operations such as those led by NATO, the UN or other security coalitions and can conduct the full spectrum of operations. The JEF enhances the deterrence messaging of NATO and provides agile, credible and capable forces in support of the JEF’s Participant Nations’ interests.
Why do we need the JEF?
Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has fundamentally reshaped the Euro Atlantic security environment, underscoring the need for credible, agile forces able to deter, defend, and respond rapidly. Alongside the return of high intensity conflict, our security is challenged by hybrid threats, including cyber-attacks, disinformation, and the targeting of critical infrastructure, as well as broader challenges such as energy insecurity, migration, climate change and technological changes.
New theatres of potential conflict are also opening as the global climate changes. The High North and the Arctic face intensifying strategic competition as military and commercial activity increases in seas that were once blocked by ice. This situation threatens the political and economic interests of JEF Participant Nations in the Arctic and opens new threat vectors against vital NATO sea lines of communication in the North Atlantic. The JEF plays a vital role in this context by strengthening the ability of JEF nations to meet NATO Article 3 commitments by enhancing resilience, preparedness, and the capacity to resist armed attack. The JEF is complementary to NATO, enabling like-minded nations to act quickly and cohesively in support of collective security.
The JEF’s sovereign ‘opt in’ model provides political agility, allowing Participant Nations to contribute flexibly, thereby enabling rapid, tailored responses across the spectrum, from deterrence and reassurance to crisis response. Built on shared experience and understanding of regional threats, the JEF delivers a capable, integrated joint force able to operate across domains and counter both conventional and hybrid challenges in the Arctic, North Atlantic, Scandinavia and the Baltic Sea Regions.
By acting together, JEF Participant Nations demonstrate unity, resolve, and a credible capacity to safeguard security and stability in our region.
Find out more in the JEF 2024 Brochure
The JEF’s Area of Interest
As reflected by its membership, the core geographic Areas of Interest for the JEF spans NATO’s northern flank, from the High North and the North Atlantic to the Baltic Sea region. The military, security and political challenges we face across these areas demand active management, across institutional boundaries, and close cooperation. The JEF is also configured to respond further afield.
