UK plans joint naval alliance with nine European countries as ‘complement’ to NATO

The UK has unveiled plans for a new multinational maritime force with nine European allies, aiming to strengthen collective deterrence and operational readiness in the North Atlantic and High North.

Speaking at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) in London on April 19, First Sea Lord Sir Gwyn Jenkins outlined an ambitious vision for a “Northern Navies” initiative, an integrated naval partnership designed to respond rapidly to emerging threats, particularly from Russia.

The proposed force would build on the existing Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), a UK-led grouping of ten Northern European nations established in 2014. While JEF has focused on broader joint operations, the new initiative would concentrate specifically on maritime power, delivering a standing, combat-ready naval capability in strategically vital waters.

“The reality is we must now deepen and evolve this partnership,” Jenkins said, emphasizing the need to generate “collective combat power” along Europe’s northern maritime flank.

Under the proposal, participating navies would train, exercise, and operate together using shared systems, common standards, and integrated logistics. The aim is to create a force capable of immediate deployment, with pre-agreed operational plans and high levels of interoperability across fleets.

“Like the current JEF model, it should not be seen as separate to NATO, but rather complementary to it. It would be a means for NATO to respond rapidly and seize the initiative in this strategically vital region,” he stressed.

A key feature of the concept is interchangeability, allowing allied forces to share equipment, ammunition, and even personnel seamlessly. The envisioned force would be coordinated through the UK’s Maritime Operations Centre in Northwood, with training aligned under British-led standards.

The announcement comes amid heightened concern over increased Russian naval activity, particularly submarine operations targeting critical undersea infrastructure. Jenkins warned that incursions into UK waters have risen significantly in recent years, reinforcing the urgency of closer allied cooperation.

Progress toward the initiative is already underway. During a recent meeting of Northern European naval chiefs, participating nations signed a statement of intent to develop detailed proposals. Jenkins said he expects a formal declaration to be agreed by the end of 2026.

The UK is also leveraging existing bilateral frameworks, including its naval cooperation agreement with Norway, while promoting exports of advanced warships such as the Type 26 frigate to allied nations.

The Northern Navies concept forms part of a broader transformation of the Royal Navy, centred on the development of a “Hybrid Navy” that integrates crewed vessels with uncrewed and autonomous systems.