New Head Of The Armed Forces On The Military Of Tomorrow

The new head of the Armed Forces has spoken of the need for the military of tomorrow to remain adaptable to counter future threats to security. 

General Sir Nick Carter made the comments as Defence Ministers from nine nations gathered in London to sign a special agreement of cooperation. 

Gen Carter said the UK was in a good position to play a leading role:

"Britain has the sorts of capabilities that make it possible in all three domains, whether its maritime, air or army, to bring the thing together and that's why these nations are keen to work with us."

The Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) Comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding marks the end of the establishment framework and is a key milestone in preparing the force for action.

The UK-led JEF can now deploy over 10,000 personnel from across the nine nations.

Speaking at the event at Lancaster House today Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said:

"Our commitment today sends a clear message to our allies and adversaries alike – our nations will stand together to meet new and conventional challenges and keep our countries and our citizens safe and secure in an uncertain world.

"We are judged by the company we keep, and while the Kremlin seeks to drive a wedge between allies old and new alike, we stand with the international community united in support of international rules."

Launched in 2015, the joint force has continued to develop so that it is able to respond rapidly, anywhere in the world, to meet global emergencies from providing humanitarian assistance to conducting high-intensity combat operations.

The JEF, made up of nine northern European allies Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, The Netherlands, Norway and Sweden.

In May this year, the JEF demonstrated it readiness with a live capability demonstration on Salisbury Plain.

It featured troops from the nine JEF nations, including troops from the UK Parachute Regiment, the Danish Jutland Dragoon Regiment, the Lithuanian “Iron Wolf” Brigade and the Latvian Mechanised Infantry Brigade, which conducted urban combat operations with air support provided by Apaches, Chinooks, Wildcats and Tornados.