Exercise Joint Protector has concluded in Latvia.
The Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) successfully concluded a multinational exercise in Liepāja, Latvia, demonstrating its ability to deploy and respond to an unfolding near real crises scenario in the Baltic and Nordic region.
In Ex JOINT PROTECTOR 24, more than 300 personnel deployed to Latvia and worked seamlessly with staff in the UK at Strategic Command, the JEF's Operational Headquarters in Northwood HQ.
The exercise scenario, developed by the Command's Integrated Warfare Centre, included a range of actions designed to simulate the rapid response needed in the face of potential conflict and security challenges in the region; testing how quickly they can deploy together across Europe to tackle emerging threats. They practiced their ability to deploy with key equipment from their home countries and their collective response.
Combining a partnership of 10 nations like-minded Northern European nations - Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the UK as the Framework Nation - the JEF share a commitment to contribute to international security and ensure regional stability.
Major General Tom Bateman CBE, UK's Standing Joint Force Commander and JEF Operational HQ Commander, emphasised the value of such exercises in confirming the readiness of JEF forces and their ability to work cohesively with NATO:
As a high-readiness deployable HQ Exercise JOINT PROTECTOR 24 has been a real success, it has improved the integration of Participant Nations and has allowed us to work more effectively together.
Exercising in Latvia has not only helped us refine our Joint Response Options but it has also allowed everyone to have a greater understanding of the region's security challenges.
For the first time, Ukrainian military officials attended the exercise, where ideas and learnings from Russia's full-scale invasion were shared between Participant Nations. As the JEF continues to evolve, its ability to operate from diverse locations and respond to crisis swiftly remains a cornerstone of its value to the security of Northern Europe.
The exercise highlighted the JEF Nation's continued commitment to enhancing NATO's warfighting capabilities and its role as a vital component of the collective defence of Europe. Their presence in Latvia reinforces security, for both NATO members and for the broader region, while helping improve co-ordination and cooperation between nations.
