The head of the Royal Navy General Sir Gwyn Jenkins has announced a new Northern Navies initiative bringing together ten European nations to counter Russian threats in the High North.
At a speech yesterday (Wednesday) at defence and security think tank the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) the First Sea Lord revealed that plans for the new force had been hatched at last week’s Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) Chiefs of Navy summit in Whitehall.
A statement of intent has been signed by all ten JEF members: the U.K. as the lead nation along with Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden. A formal agreement is expected to come by the end of 2026.
Speaking at RUSI Sir Gwyn said: “I am delighted to confirm to you today that during that meeting, we signed a statement of intent committing each of our nations to working up detailed proposals for our Northern Navies initiative.
“We know we have no time to lose, which is why by the end of this year, I want us all to have signed a formal declaration, laying the foundations for what will be a vital and enduring partnership for many years to come.”
He described his vision for the new joint fleet as “a maritime force that trains, exercises and prepares together. A force designed to fight immediately if required, with real capabilities, real war plans, and real integration.
“A force in which interchangeability — the ability to substitute, swap, or mix equipment, parts, ammunition, or personnel — is made possible because member nations would be operating common systems and platforms, shared digital networks, logistics and stockpiles.”
He said the new force would be trained via the Royal Navy’s Fleet Operational Standards and Training (FOST) and commanded from the Maritime Operations Centre in Northwood.
The new body, which does not include the U.S., is intended as a complement to NATO rather than a replacement of it, the First Sea Lord made clear.
In the same speech he also revealed the first Atlantic Bastion uncrewed gliders patrolling the North Atlantic will be in the water this year.
He said there were plans to launch the first jet-powered drone from a British carrier next year, and the first uncrewed escorts would sail alongside Royal Navy warships within two years.
- You can read more details on the U.K. Government website