UK-led force introduced to tackle common threats

The UK will be at the forefront of a high-readiness force allowing seven nations including Demark, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, the

Netherlands and Norway to meet new challenges. The project could mean the mobilisation of up to 10,000 troops to tackle a crisis.

Fallon met with the defence ministers from all six allies at Lancaster House, where each signed a memorandum of understanding, allowing each country to train and integrate, sharing knowledge, skills and resources.

During the signing, discussions took place on how the agreement will allow the UK and JEF partners to continue with the operational co-operation achieved to date in places like Afghanistan.

The JEF will involve a selection of high-readiness forces which can respond quickly to a range of issues, using combat power, conventional deterrence or humanitarian assistance, such as that deployed to tackle the Ebola outbreak in West Africa.

Fallon commented: “In a world of ever-greater uncertainty and growing threats it’s right that the UK plays a leading role in developing this high-readiness force. Building on our pledges made at the NATO Summit, this demonstrates our commitment to crisis management and cooperative security.

“We are stronger together and have agreed to attach forces to the JEF when the time is right. The force will allow the UK and our allies to share knowledge, skills and resources, and will mean we can deliver a rapidly deployable, flexible and integrated joint force.”

The UK’s contribution is expected to include lead commando, airborne, armoured, aviation, air and maritime task groups.

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