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THE JOINT EXPEDITIONARY FORCE NEWSLETTER
from the Standing Joint Force Headquarters (SJFHQ) in London
December 2024
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Commander of National Guard of Latvia Brigadier General Kaspars Pudāns. | |
Latvia remains committed!
-The impact of JOINT PROTECTOR 24 for Latvia
It’s my pleasure to provide the opening article for the seventh Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) newsletter published following a successful deployment of the JEF operational headquarters to Latvia.
105 years ago, Kurzeme, the western region of Latvia, stood as the final stronghold of the newly proclaimed independence. Various malign actors, both external and internal, sought to restore or establish new empires in the Baltic states. Allied support from the sea played a crucial role in suppressing enemy fire and bolstering the morale of Latvian troops. While allied navies shielded our forces, Latvian warriors fought valiantly on the front lines and within their own communities.
Today, Russia, stung by its failure to secure a swift victory in Ukraine, seeks to intimidate and re-attribute against the West for its support of Ukraine. Demonstrating collective commitment, readiness, and resilience in the face of any threat is key to deterring potential aggression and reassuring our people.
The exercise Joint Protector 24 (JP24), held in Liepāja, a port city in Kurzeme, exemplified the skills and resolve of participating states to counter malign actions that stop short of direct military aggression. The exercise achieved several objectives. First, it fostered a more unified understanding of the threat environment along the eastern shores of the Baltic Sea. Second, for Latvia as the host nation, it provided an opportunity to test our ability to receive and integrate allied forces while presenting strategies to counter both hybrid and conventional aggression. It also facilitated discussions on how allied forces could deliver valuable effects in such scenarios.
While Russia continues to pursue a “divide and rule” strategy against NATO—blurring lines of attribution and leveraging non-military tactics—the JEF offers Latvia an additional layer of response. Complementing national and NATO strategies, the JEF provides the advantage of flexible and rapid mutual decision-making to counter the Kremlin’s ambitions. When backed by credible capabilities, JEF efforts deliver a significant deterrent effect, even against hybrid threats, thereby influencing an adversary’s calculus regarding further escalation.
Latvia remains committed to working with all JEF partners to strengthen our collective capabilities and to develop new, adaptive approaches for enhancing security and defence in the Baltic Sea region.
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Personnel in the Joint Expeditionary Force’s deployed headquarters in Latvia on Joint Protector 24. | |
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Standing Joint Force Commander
Major General T J Bateman CBE.
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Strengthening Relationships and a Successful JP24: Reflections on an Eventful Autumn
The end of the year brings a close to an exceptionally busy period having completed Joint Protector 24 (JP24) and a series of high-level engagements across the JEF.
I must express my uppermost gratitude to the JEF Participant Nations for their continued and unwavering support. JP24 was a huge success due to the combined contribution of over 300 international staff officers, civilians, and diplomats from the nations. I would also like to thank General Kaspars Pudans, who acted as my Deputy Commander during JP24, and the Latvian Armed Forces whose efforts ensured JP24’s seamless execution.
During this term I had the opportunity to engage with many of the Participant Nations, where I was able to get a very good sense of each nation’s individual security concerns and the maturation of their National Defence Plans. I have learned a great deal, and these insights will shape my priorities for 2025 as we seek greater coherence on shared issues.
As we move into 2025, the JEF has much to look forward to as we configure for the next 10 years, bounded by our shared principles and cultures. A great deal has been achieved thus far, although we must remain mindful of the complex security challenges currently present in the world. I remain confident that we will continue to succeed when facing these issues together as the JEF, remaining complementary to NATO, and alongside with our key partners.
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Lt Cdr Mark Page RN, Defence Attaché, British Embassy in Riga. | |
JP24 Engagements in Riga Supported by the British Embassy
Between 27 October and 18 November the Standing Joint Force Headquarters deployed a forward headquarters to Liepaja in Latvia, for JP24. The aim of the activity was to train the modernised and dispersed JEF operational headquarters as a Joint Task Force Headquarters in the planning and conduct of JEF Response Options.
While in Riga, the Standing Joint Force Commander, Major General Tom Bateman, met with the UK Chief of Joint Operations, Lieutenant General Charlie Stickland, and his successor, Lieutenant General Nick Perry. During their visit, they conducted a video teleconference with representatives from all 10 JEF participant nations, further reinforcing multinational collaboration and cohesion.
Major General Bateman also held an office call with His Majesty’s Ambassador to Latvia, Paul Brummell, at the British Embassy in Riga. During this meeting, the SJFC provided an overview of JP24 and shared insights into future JEF activities, including TARASSIS 25, the key JEF activity of 2025, which will be supported by Latvia and other participant nations.
A poignant highlight of the exercise was the participation of the JEF Platoon, composed of representatives from all 10 participant nations, in the Latvian Independence Day military parade on 18 November. Marching directly behind a platoon from the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the event symbolised solidarity and unity, exemplifying the JEF’s motto 'JEF together'.
JP24 not only reinforced the JEF’s operational capabilities but also demonstrated its commitment to collective security, mobility, and deterrence in an increasingly complex security environment.
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Gareth Gorst, Policy Adviser
Euro-Atlantic Security
Cabinet Office - National Security Secretariat.
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JEF Leaders’ Summit 2024, Tallinn, Estonia
Joint Expeditionary Force leaders will convene in Tallinn, 16-17 December, in what will be the fifth meeting at leader-level since JEF was formed 10-years ago. Each JEF Leaders’ Summit is a culmination of efforts across the JEF network, building on meetings of Political Directors, CHODS, NSAs, and Defence Ministers, and day-to-day collaboration between partners at SJFHQ. The annual summit provides leaders with an opportunity to discuss cooperation within the JEF framework and develop plans to adapt JEF activities to meet an evolving European and global security landscape.
2024 has delivered strong progress in a number of key areas for leaders’ consideration. The Tallinn summit comes soon after the success of JP24 in which Ukrainian Armed Forces observed a JEF exercise for the first time in a demonstration of the group’s unwavering support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. Added to this, this year’s leaders’ meeting will be the first summit in which all ten JEF participant nations meet as full NATO members following Sweden’s accession in March - a dynamic which will serve to deepen JEF’s complementarity with the Alliance.
In Tallinn, we can expect leaders’ discussions to focus on a number of key themes including: Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, considering long-term strategies to meet the threats and challenges facing regional security, and strengthening defence and deterrence postures - both individually and as a collective. Within each of these areas we can expect leaders to explore JEF’s value-add to the Euro-Atlantic security architecture and how its agility to convene and cohere Allies can be applied to further support Ukraine, deter Russian aggression, and respond to reckless hybrid activity and other threats and challenges facing Europe.
As leaders draw another busy year for JEF to a close in Tallinn and look ahead to 2025 - which could present new challenges and opportunities for the JEF - I hope that all those involved across the network in making this a forum valued by the Prime Ministers and Presidents belonging to this like-minded group take a moment to reflect on another year well done.
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Group Captain Jonathan Eastlake, Assistant Chief of Staff, JEF. | |
A perspective of JP24 by ACOS JEF
In October 2024, the SJFHQ deployed to Liepāja on the west coast of Latvia and established the JEF operational HQ within JP24. We were joined by representatives from all ten JEF participant nations, who were integrated into the operational planning teams and brought together invaluable insights into national and regional security challenges.
Working in a highly collaborative environment, the multinational teams were led by the SJFHQ’s embedded participant nation officers and supported by French exchange officers. This combined expertise was critical for JP24 and significantly contributed to the refinement and development of robust JEF Response Options.
The JEF operational headquarter's focus was on crisis response planning within a simulated scenario, where the security situation in Northern and Eastern Europe was deteriorating rapidly. All the planning considered how JEF could support National Defence Plans, tackle hybrid threats, and contribute to deterrence, whilst always remaining complementary to NATO.
Within this framework, the SJFHQ also took the opportunity to modernise into an agile, responsive and integrated HQ. The deployed HQ in Liepāja developed the ability to forward mount small and agile teams, to diverse and austere locations further into Latvia, while maintaining constant links between each other and Northwood. This new model now provides the JEF operational headquarters with the ability to operate flexibly and effectively under challenging conditions.
Having personnel from all JEF nations working and training alongside each another in Latvia fostered stronger relationships, improved mutual understanding, and enhanced cooperation. These vital connections will be essential as we continue to develop the JEF’s capabilities to ensure it remains ready for future challenges.
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Participants in the JEF 2* Political / Military Strategic Directors meeting in Riga Latvia 15 November 2024. | |
Flt Lt James Langan, Policy Advisor at the Security Policy & Operations (SPO) at the UK MOD's EURC team. | |
Summary of JEF Strategic Meetings
Two key meetings recently highlighted the continued evolution and strategic importance of the JEF: the 2* Political / Military (Pol/Mil) Strategic Directors meeting in Riga, Latvia, on 15 November, and the OF5 Steering Group (OF5SG) meeting in Vilnius, Lithuania, on 25 September. Both events underscored the JEF’s critical role in maintaining European security while advancing innovation, collaboration, and operational readiness.
OF5 Steering Group
In the absence of a fully resourced JEF Secretariat, the military JEF Security Policy & Operations team, led by Col Bobby Bryan and Flt Lt James Langan, organised the OF5SG in Vilnius. This group plays a role in translating 2* Pol/Mil strategic direction into actionable guidance, ensuring alignment across domain working groups.
Held at the Lithuanian Ministry of Defence, the OF5SG benefited from excellent representation and spirited, constructive discussions. A major outcome was unanimous agreement on adopting a campaign approach, transitioning to an intelligence-led model to counter threats in the Euro-Atlantic region. This initiative aligns with the broader strategic direction set by the JEF.
A key agenda item was the TARASSIS update, a significant milestone involving the JEF’s first proactive multi-JRO activity planned for 2025. Building on the successes of the first activation of a JRO last year and NORDIC WARDEN, TARASSIS aims to demonstrate the JEF’s ability to activate multiple JROs across its operational area while ensuring alignment with national training objectives.
Innovation and experimentation also featured prominently. With all JEF Partner Nations meeting or exceeding NATO defence spending targets, the SG emphasised the opportunity to test operational, doctrinal, and technical innovations. The group tasked working groups with proposing concepts and doctrines to be tested during TARASSIS 2025, leveraging mission command principles to drive forward creative and operationally relevant ideas.
The meeting concluded with outstanding Lithuanian hospitality, leaving participants with a strong sense of camaraderie and progress.
2* Pol/Mil Strategic Directors Meeting
The 2* Pol/Mil meeting followed the successful JP24 exercise, which tested the operational element of the Standing Joint Force Headquarters. This year’s exercise was particularly noteworthy as it hosted Ukrainian observers and fostered collaboration through a mutual lessons-learned cell between Ukraine and the JEF, emphasising the JEF’s commitment to adaptability and partnership.
Marking the JEF’s 10-year anniversary, the Directors reflected on a decade of success while recognising the challenges ahead. A key focus was the proposal to transition to a threat-led approach. This included aligning the JEF Intelligence Group as a cornerstone for refining future assessments and maintaining relevance in a dynamic security environment.
Discussions also highlighted the utility of JEFNet, an intra-JEF communications network. Successfully trialled during JP24, a deployable model demonstrated the JEF’s operational flexibility, showcasing the cohering function of SJFHQ.
The meeting concluded with traditional Baltic hospitality, as the Latvian hosts treated participants to an evening meal at the Latvian National Museum of Art.
Conclusion
Both events underscored the JEF’s commitment to adaptability, collaboration, and operational excellence. As the JEF moves forward, its focus on intelligence-led strategies, innovative practices, and cohesive partnerships will ensure its continued role in safeguarding European security. The hospitality of the Latvian and Lithuanian hosts further exemplified the strong bonds underpinning the JEF’s multinational collaboration.
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Flight Lieutenant James Langan with Estonian Ambassador H.E. Viljar Lubi, Latvian Ambassador H.E. Atis Lots, Lithuanian Chargée d’Affaires Ms. Lina Zigmantaitė, and Dr. Donatas Kupčiūnas at the Armed Forces of the Baltic States reception. |
Armed Forces of the Baltic States Reception
On 27 November, Flight Lieutenant James Langan attended on behalf of the JEF Security & Policy Office (SPO) the Armed Forces of the Baltic States Reception, hosted at the Lithuanian Embassy. The event was jointly organised by Estonian Ambassador H.E. Viljar Lubi, Latvian Ambassador H.E. Atis Lots, and Lithuanian Chargée d’Affaires Ms. Lina Zigmantaitė.
The reception marked the 106th anniversary of Baltic independence while also commemorating Finnish and Ukrainian independence during the same historical period. Beyond the celebrations, the gathering served as a poignant platform to reflect on the enduring relevance of history and geopolitics, with a strong focus on solidarity with Ukraine amid the suffering caused by Russia’s illegal invasion.
The event underscored the shared responsibility of JEF nations to ensure history does not repeat itself. The three Baltic ambassadors highlighted the immense cost of freedom their countries have borne—a struggle that continues today—and reminded attendees of the grave consequences when that price is neglected.
Among the distinguished guests was Dr. Donatas Kupčiūnas, a Baltic geopolitical historian from Cambridge University’s Centre for Geopolitics. Dr. Kupčiūnas specialises in the study of Baltic nationhood and Russia’s foreign policy, contributing valuable insights into the region’s historical and current geopolitical challenges.
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JEF Officers with representatives from the British Embassy in Riga, the University of Latvia and the Latvian Armed Forces. | Representatives from the JEF participant nations with Brigadier General Kaspars Pudāns, Commander of National Guard of Latvia, in panel discussions with political science students. | |
Panel discussions at the University of Latvia
Students from the University of Latvia had the unique opportunity to engage with officers and representatives from the JEF participant nations during a panel discussion held at the University of Latvia in Riga. This event, which took place on 13 November, was organised in connection with the JEF’s deployment to Latvia for JP24, underscoring the framework's commitment to regional security and collaboration.
In close collaboration with Associate Professor Toms Rostoks, representatives from several JEF participant nations shared their insights with an audience of political science students. The event fostered a dynamic exchange of ideas and perspectives.
The students interacted with senior JEF officers and representatives, representing Latvia, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Norway, and Iceland. Following a round of introductions and a briefing on the mission and structure of the JEF, the students posed their questions to the panel.
The discussion covered a range of topics, including Baltic land security, deterrence and de-escalation strategies, the JEF’s stance on Ukraine, and potential summer internship opportunities within the organisation. The panelists appreciated the students’ thoughtful and challenging inquiries, with many highlighting the benefits of JEF membership for their respective nations. Brigadier General Kaspars Pudāns, Commander of National Guard of Latvia concluded the session.
Special thanks to the British Embassy for organising this engaging and informative panel discussion at the University of Latvia.
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Commander of National Guard of Latvia Brigadier General Kaspars Pudāns, with Gunārs Ansiņš, the Mayor of Liepāja and SJFHQ Chief of Staff Brigadier Nicholas Wight-Boycott, during the Mayor's visit to the deployed JEF Operational Headquarters in Liepaja, Latvia.
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SJFC Maj Gen Tom Bateman with Brigadier General Kaspars Pudāns, engaging with reporters on JP24 Media Day in Liepaja. | Remembrance Day service in Liepaja on 11 November 2024. | CJO Lt Gen Charlie Stickland (right) with his successor Lt Gen Nick Perry, during memorial service at Northwood, UK. | JP24 ended with a DV Day in Riga, followed by a 2* Pol Mil meeting. | |
Key engagements on JP24
During JP24, the deployed headquarters participated in several high-level engagement opportunities, highlighting its operational capability and fostering strategic relationships, as well as demonstrating solidarity with Latvian counterparts during Remembrance day events.
One such occasion was the visit by Gunārs Ansiņš, the Mayor of Liepāja (see photo above), to the operational headquarters located in Karosta. During the tour, Mayor Ansiņš was introduced to the intricacies of how a multinational headquarters plans and adapts to evolving operational scenarios. Impressed by the capabilities and professionalism of the SJFHQ, the Mayor extended a prestigious invitation for the JEF to participate in the Liepāja Torch March, an event deeply rooted in Latvian cultural heritage.
This invitation was a significant honour for the headquarters, symbolising the growing bond between the JEF and the Latvian people. A contingent of over 30 personnel, representing all 10 JEF partner nations, proudly took part in the Torch March. The JEF contingent carried the JEF banner alongside the national flags of each member nation, further cementing the alliance’s unity and shared values.
SJFC Maj Gen Tom Bateman and Brigadier General Kaspars Pudāns engaged with journalists at the deployed headquarters and provided interviews on JP24 Media day in Liepaja.
As the exercise drew to a close, both the outgoing and incoming UK Chief Joint Operations (CJO) —Lieutenant General Charlie Stickland and his successor Lieutenant General Nick Perry, respectively—visited the Forward Lite Headquarters in Riga. This visit showcased the headquarters’ ability to effectively disaggregate its command and control structures.
Demonstrating the principles of Agile Combat Employment, the Forward Light HQ dismantled its infrastructure entirely and relocated to a different location on the base. Remarkably, this complex transition occurred while the CJOs attended another operational brief, underscoring the adaptability and resilience of the JEF in dynamic operational environments.
Finally, on 15 November a distinguished visitors day took place in Riga at the end of JP24, with representatives from JEF participant nations, NATO, diplomatic missions and other dignitaries.
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Officers from all ten JEF participant nations participated in a military parade on the occasion of Latvias Independence Day on 18 November, marking the 106th anniversary of the Proclamation Day of the Republic of Latvia. The platoon was led by Latvian Lt Col Uldis Gutmanis. | |
My Experience Supporting JP24 in My Home Country
Everything started in September last year during an official dinner at a restaurant in Riga. This year, we held the closing dinner for the exercise at the same restaurant.
"Good wine and delicious food facilitate strategic decisions"
For me, preparations for JP24 began when representatives from the Latvian Ministry of Defence and National Armed Forces Headquarters agreed to facilitate this significant event.
During the preparation phase, one of the most surprising and rewarding aspects was rediscovering my own country, Latvia—its rich history, traditions, and modern perspectives. Together with my colleagues from the Standing Joint Force Headquarters and the Integrated Warfare Centre, we made several visits to Latvia, experiencing its different seasons: muddy roads in autumn, deep white snow in winter, hot summer days, and the beautiful foliage of late autumn. Naturally, the menus changed with the seasons, but one thing was constant: Latvia’s iconic dark garlic bread and refreshing light beer.
During the exercise, we were mostly based in Liepāja, a city famously known as the “City Where the Wind is Born,” thanks to the constant sea breeze. Participants had the chance to experience the city’s rich cultural heritage, history, long beaches, and its cozy cafés.
The final days of the exercise took us to Riga, where participants explored the vibrant Old Town—a charming maze of narrow cobblestone streets filled with an eclectic mix of architectural styles, lively restaurants, and pubs. I even gave several guided tours of Old Riga to my colleagues, which turned out to be a fascinating experience for me as well.
Although I didn’t have an official support team allocated to coordinate and facilitate JP24, I always felt the full backing of the Latvian Ministry of Defence and the National Armed Forces. Everyone was incredibly supportive and understood the importance of this event for Latvia. Sometimes, just saying the code word “JEF” opened doors widely for me. I would like to extend my gratitude to the Latvian Ministry of Defence and the National Armed Forces for their efforts in facilitating and organising such an important event.
Organising a large-scale exercise like JP24 is not only about managing logistics and administration; it’s also about storytelling—sharing your nation’s values, traditions, and history, and giving a piece of your heart. It’s about showcasing who we are as a people and as a country.
In 1919, during the Latvian War of Independence, we received political and military support from Britain—our ally. Today, the JEF, led by the United Kingdom, continues to stand as a symbol of capability and resolve, ensuring security and stability in our region. I am proud that Latvia is a part of the JEF framework. Freedom remains the highest value we share together.
For me personally, two events stood out as incredibly emotional: the participation of JEF nations in the Lāčplēsis Day annual Torch March on November 11th, and the military parade on November 18th in Riga. These events celebrated Latvia’s independence and sent a strong message to society: actions speak louder than words.
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Lt Col Uldis Gutmanis, member of JEF branch at SJFHQ, the JEF's operational headquarters in London. | SJFC and ACOS JEF with International Officers from SJFHQ on Latvia's Independence Day. | Lt Cdr Mark Page, Defence Attaché at the British Embassy in Riga, with Lt Col Uldis Gutmanis. | |
Personnel from the deployed JEF operational headquarters participate in the torch march in Latvia on 11 November, known as Lāčplēsis Day. This event commemorates the victory of Latvian forces over the West Russian Volunteer Army during the Latvian War of Independence in 1919. It honours soldiers who fought for Latvia’s freedom and independence. | |
Upcoming JEF events and activities | |
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Events
JEF Leaders 16-17 December 2024
Activities
TAMBER SHIELD - March 2025
COBRA WARRIOR - March 2025
JOINT WARRIOR - March 2025
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Activities
RAMSTEIN FLAG - March-April 2025
SPRING STORM - April 2025
ARCTIC CHALLENGE - April-May 2025
SWIFT RESPONSE - May 2025
TARASSIS - September-October 2025
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Bjorn Kristiansen Norwegian SNR laying a wreath during an Armistice Day ceremony in Liepaja, Latvia on 11 November, attended by personnel from the JEF deployed operational headquarters. This day marked the end of World War I in 1918, and the ceremony is held in memory of those who died in the line of duty in all wars and conflicts. | |
The Standing Joint Force Headquarters (SJFHQ) in London operates the Joint Expeditionary Force, as UK is the framework nation | |
About the JEF
The Joint Expeditionary Force was formally launched as a NATO initiative at the September 2014 Wales Summit, under the then new “Framework Nations Concept”.
The JEF is a framework of ten like-minded Northern European nations focused on mutual support and cooperation. By collaborating, training, and operating together, JEF enhances collective capability and develops interoperability. In turn, through persistent activity and signature exercises, the JEF demonstrates its readiness to act as a collective and whilst being prepared to support NATO as the ultimate security guarantor for the region.
The JEF Participant Nations are: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the UK which is the Framework Nation.
All ten JEF Participant Nations are also members of NATO, with Sweden as the most recent Member State.
All JEF Participant Nations have a Liaison Officer embedded into the Standing Joint Force Headquarters in Northwood, London.
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Copyright Disclaimer: Unless specified, photos published in this newsletter have either been provided by the JEF participant nations' Governments, are available under the terms of the Open Government License, have previously been published on JEFNations Social Media channels, and/or fall under the UK MOD © Crown copyright 2023, published on UK Defence Imagery.
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