UK proposes extending nuclear deterrence to JEF allies

The United Kingdom has proposed extending its national nuclear deterrent to member states of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), with an agreement on the arrangement expected to be signed in November.

Iltalehti reported the proposal, citing British Navy Commander Gwyn Jenkins and Heikki Autto, chairman of the Finnish Parliament’s Defence Committee.

The proposal covers Finland, Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden. This would mean that nuclear deterrence for JEF members could be provided not only through NATO but also by British forces. The UK’s nuclear-powered submarines would play a key role in the system.

“Finland is under the nuclear umbrella. This is guaranteed by our submarines, which are currently patrolling the Atlantic,” Jenkins said during a visit to Finland.

In November, JEF countries are expected to sign an agreement on establishing the relevant military units. According to Autto, Finnish Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen will appear before the Defence Committee for a preliminary hearing on Tuesday ahead of an upcoming JEF meeting.

The Joint Expeditionary Force brings together 10 European countries under British leadership and is designed to respond rapidly to threats in Northern Europe, the Baltic region, the Arctic and the North Atlantic.

The United Kingdom, along with France and the United States, is one of the NATO members that possesses nuclear weapons.

By Tamilla Hasanova