NATO's Eastern Flank Bolstered by UK-Led JEF Exercise in Latvia

A joint military exercise between Britain and its close European allies has showcased the Alliance's ability to defend Latvia against any threat, as part of its efforts to strengthen regional security.

The UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), operating across the Baltic state over the past month, successfully concluded Exercise Joint Protector. This exercise tested the JEF's capacity to rapidly deploy its forces in response to emerging threats, while also improving co-ordination and cooperation among its member nations.

As part of this annual event, military personnel from nine Northern European countries (Iceland, Denmark, Norway, Netherlands, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Sweden, and Finland) - along with the UK as Framework Nation - came together to practice deploying equipment and troops in anticipation of a crisis scenario. Ukrainian military officers also participated for the first time this year, adding valuable insights into their experience during Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard MP, described Exercise Joint Protector as evidence of Britain's "unwavering commitment to regional security" and highlighted the significance of collaborating with its partners in ensuring a stronger alliance. The UK's participation demonstrates its role as a key Framework Nation within NATO's Framework Nation Concept - one which prioritises delivering region-specific defence activities and contributing to Europe's collective security.

The success of the exercise underscores the value added by the JEF, enhancing options for security crises and providing member nations with more strategic resilience in an increasingly volatile international environment. As Britain continues its efforts to support NATO's agenda, Exercise Joint Protector shows that commitment to regional security is alive and well on the UK's doorstep.