According to information published by the Norwegian Armed Forces on April 19, 2024, British naval and air units are currently participating in joint exercises with the Norwegian Navy to maintain rapid response readiness along the Norwegian coast. The exercise, named Tamber Shield, is part of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) initiative and is taking place in coastal areas outside Bergen.
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Skjold-class corvette KNM Glimt. (Picture source: Norwegian Armed Forces)
The ongoing exercise features comprehensive military operations that are crucial for maintaining operational readiness and effectiveness. Participants include several British naval and air units, as well as Norwegian vessels such as the frigate KNM Roald Amundsen and corvettes KNM Glimt and KNM Storm.
JEF
The Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) is a UK-led multinational military partnership, encompassing ten northern European nations, including Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.
Established to enhance the security of northern Europe and capable of operating both independently and alongside allies such as NATO, the JEF is designed to rapidly respond to various crises ranging from humanitarian to high-end combat operations. It became fully operational in 2018.
The JEF is particularly noted for its maritime component, the Joint Expeditionary Force – Maritime (JEF-M), which has conducted significant operations in response to regional security challenges. For instance, in late 2023, the JEF-M deployed a task force to strengthen protection of Critical Undersea Infrastructure (CUI) in Northern European waters.
This deployment involved nearly 30 ships and 11 aircraft from nine of the JEF's member states, demonstrating the force's ability to coordinate and execute complex maritime and air operations across a wide geographic area.
The deployment emphasized underwater surveillance and patrols in key areas such as the Baltic Sea, Norwegian Sea, and around the United Kingdom.
The JEF has been actively involved in addressing security challenges posed by Russia, especially in the context of its actions in Ukraine and activities in Northern European waters.
