Time is now to strengthen Joint Expeditionary Force performance, says First Sea Lord

The head of the Royal Navy has said now is the time to strengthen the performance of the UK-led rapid-response military partnership. 

Discussing the important role of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) with BFBS Radio, First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins highlighted the "phenomenal initiative" that the UK has pursued and led for a number of years.

His words follow the announcement that Canada has formally applied to join the 10-strong military coalition, as it looks to diversify its defence ties away from the United States.

• What is the Joint Expeditionary Force and what does it do?
• Canada joins Tempest sixth-generation fighter programme as first observer nation
• Roll-on, roll-off, ready to go: JEF allies sharpen escort capabilities on Ex Lion Protector

In a statement, Canadian prime minister Mark Carney called the JEF an "important initiative" and highlighted other close defence ties with the UK, including his country becoming the first observer nation of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).

A joint initiative between the UK, Japan, and Italy, the programme will develop a sixth-generation stealth fighter known as Tempest.

Faster than Nato on occasion 

A coalition of 10 like-minded Northern European Nato nations focused on mutual support and cooperation, the JEF is specifically designed to complement Nato. 

"We do not need consensus to act as the JEF," Sir Gwyn explained. "We can act with two of us, or with eight of us, or with 10 of us, as the situation demands."

He added that while Nato has a high bar for action, reaching political consensus can take time, given it is comprised of 32 members. 

The UK-led military and defence coalition, meanwhile, works differently.

It uses an 'opt-in' model, where military actions, exercises or responses do not require unanimous approval from all 10 member nations. 

"That gives us phenomenal flexibility, particularly in the space where Nato might be slower to react," Sir Gwyn said. 

"JEF can fill an important gap in acting earlier, perhaps [even] than Nato might on some occasions.

"All our proposals about the JEF maritime are seeking to strengthen the force, improve its ability to operate together, develop our options and plans, all in synchronisation with Nato, so that we offer a more credible deterrent than we do today."