The Role of the UK in the JEF (Strategic Defence Review – 2025)

During the second Trump presidency, the U.S. intends to shift its primary responsibility for the defense of Europe, creating a situation of uncertainty for European NATO members. In these circumstances, the importance of bilateral and mini-lateral military-political alliances for Britain is increasing. In light of the goals and objectives of the Defense Review 2025, London is strengthening the Joint Expeditionary Force military unit created under its auspices, and expanding its range of activities from the Baltic and North Sea to the North Atlantic and the Arctic, as well as to the south supporting the Kiev regime. The JEF is also actively trying to counter Russia's "shadow fleet" thus exacerbating the situation in the Baltic, including by practicing an attack on the RF. It is possible to create an analogue of the JEF in the Balkans, and expand JEF activities to the banking and digital spheres. Based on the study of doctrinal documents of the UK government, the activities of the JEF, and the studies of Russian and foreign researchers, it is concluded that the "Northern NATO" is deliberately escalating the situation in the region and beyond.

UK, Joint Expeditionary Force, NATO, U.S., EU, Balkans, shadow fleet, Baltic-Scandinavian macroregion