Beyond interoperability: what the Northern Navies announcement means for JEF

11th November 2026 at 12:00pm

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Claire Sadler (@reporter_claire)

What if 10 countries could operate their warships almost like one navy?

That's the idea behind the Northern Navies initiative, which was signed by Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) nations aboard HMS Prince of Wales in Oslo yesterday.

The ambition is to make their navies much more interchangeable, so a Norwegian warship could potentially take over a job being done by a British one for example.

But it goes further, too – the aim ultimately is to be able to swap personnel, spare parts and even ammunition between different navies.

We're not just talking about interoperability, which is the buzzword that's been around for quite a while.

The ambition now is interchangeability – being able to step in for one another and to make that possible.

It's a word that has been thrown around a lot at this International Sea Power Conference and one I reckon will be the new buzzword in defence.

Interchangeability takes it a step further – rather than individual nations operating together, one capability can now stand in for another.

What would that mean in practice? Well, these countries want to plan together, train to the same standards and develop equipment that also works together.

The First Sea Lord has made strengthening the JEF a core part of his mission as head of the Royal Navy (Picture: BFBS)

As the snow fell on the deck of HMS Prince of Wales, the First Sea Lord opened today's proceedings with a challenge.

He said yesterday's gathering of naval chiefs was about what countries can do together to tackle the threats that they face at sea – but now, with politicians, military leaders and industry all in the same room, he wants to move from discussion to what can be delivered.

Can all of these talks that are taking place on board HMS Prince of Wales today actually turn into something that makes us all safer?

Time will tell.