The UK, in its capacity as the lead nation of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), has announced the formation of an enhanced partnership with Ukraine. The initiative, confirmed during a meeting of JEF defence ministers in Bodø, Norway, is set to strengthen military cooperation and generate significant opportunities for the defence supply chain, particularly in the domains of unmanned systems and sub-sea infrastructure protection.
This new partnership will focus on several priority areas, creating potential requirements for specialist suppliers. Key among these are the development and procurement of drone technologies, the protection of critical underwater infrastructure, advancements in battlefield medicine, and the implementation of sophisticated methods for countering disinformation. The collaboration is designed to be reciprocal, allowing the ten JEF member nations to integrate lessons learned from Ukraine’s operational experience, thereby driving innovation and refining military capability across the alliance. The first formal engagement under this framework saw Ukrainian Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal attend the JEF ministerial meeting.
The announcement follows the recent conclusion of Exercise Tarassis, the largest military activity in the JEF’s history. Conducted throughout September and October 2025 across the Nordic-Baltic region, the exercise involved over 1,700 UK personnel and demonstrated the force’s collective operational readiness. The momentum is set to continue, with ministers confirming that the next major exercise series, codenamed ‘Lion’, will commence in 2025 in close coordination with NATO. These exercises will provide a crucial platform for testing and integrating the new capabilities developed through the partnership with Ukraine.
This strategic direction aligns with the UK’s Strategic Defence Review, which emphasises strengthening alliances to bolster European security. The JEF’s role is identified as a key component of NATO’s deterrence posture in Northern Europe and the High North. In response to heightened regional threats, the JEF has already activated the UK-led ‘Nordic Warden’ system to monitor undersea infrastructure and maritime activity. The enhanced partnership with Ukraine will further bolster these defensive measures, signalling a long-term commitment to capability development in Northern Europe and creating a clear demand signal for industry expertise in these specialised fields.
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Post written by: Vicky Maggiani
Vicky has worked in media for over 25 years and has a wealth of experience in editing and creating copy for a variety of sectors.
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