UK, European allies plan joint naval force to "counter Russia"

United Kingdom has agreed with nine European countries to establish a unified naval force aimed at deterring potential Russian threats along what British officials describe as an “open sea border” to the north, the head of the Royal Navy has announced.

General Gwyn Jenkins said that despite the ongoing crisis in the Middle East — where the Strait of Hormuz remains closed following the US-Israeli war in Iran — “Russia remains the gravest threat to our security.”

In a speech, Jenkins, the First Sea Lord, stated that the 10 members of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) had signed a statement of intent last week to create a “multinational maritime force” that would act as a “complement to NATO.”

The proposed force would not include the United States. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticised the UK for what he described as insufficient support for the bombing of Iran, at one point referring to the Royal Navy’s aircraft carriers as “toys.”

Military cooperation between the US and the UK is currently strained, with disagreements over policy toward the Strait of Hormuz. Washington has indicated it wants assistance in forcing the strait open and has criticised British and French discussions about establishing defensive patrols after the conflict, reportedly calling such plans “silly.”

The JEF grouping includes the Netherlands, the five Nordic countries, and the three Baltic states, with the UK serving as its largest military contributor. Canada is also considering joining the framework as some NATO members adjust their response to what they see as increasing Russian aggression.

Earlier in April, the UK reported that Russian spy submarines had been tracked conducting what appeared to be covert surveillance of undersea infrastructure around Britain. Jenkins said that “Russian incursions into our waters has jumped by almost a third in the last two years,” adding that the UK effectively has an “open sea border with Russia to the north.”

The new maritime force would, if required, be commanded from the UK’s military headquarters in Northwood, northwest London. Its primary purpose would be joint training and preparation, but Jenkins emphasized that it would also be “designed to fight immediately if required, with real capabilities, real war plans, and real integration.”

Looking ahead, Jenkins said the UK plans to deploy “uncrewed escort ships” — large maritime drones — alongside conventional warships within the next two years, as part of efforts to enhance capability at lower cost.

At the same time, while the UK has warned it could seize Russia-linked “shadow fleet” tankers transporting sanctioned oil, it has not yet taken such action, even as other European countries have done so.

Russia, meanwhile, has deployed frigates to escort sanctioned vessels through the Strait of Dover in defiance of a warning issued publicly by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on March 25. Since then, 98 tankers subject to sanctions have passed through British waters.

By Tamilla Hasanova