Written question asked by Stuart Anderson (Conservative) on Friday, 28 August 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 2 September 2026. It was answered by Louise Sandher-Jones (Labour) on Tuesday, 8 September 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Joint Expeditionary Force: Innovation

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 83 of his department's Strategic Defence Review, published 2 June 2025, what progress has been made with JEF to trial the use of innovative technologies to boost collective security in Europe.

Answer

The JEF continues to build its role in defence innovation, with First Sea Lord’s JEF Maritime initiative marking a significant step forward in the JEF Northern Navies partnership. It underscores a shared commitment among JEF partners to move beyond periodic activity towards a more integrated maritime enterprise enabling forces to combine rapidly, operate seamlessly and respond decisively and immediately to emerging threats

By renewing emphasis on collaboration and aligning doctrine, training, planning, sustainment and capability development, JEF nations will operate more closely than ever before, building trust, interoperability to act and fight together and ultimately the ability to substitute, swap, or mix equipment, parts, ammunition, or personnel across participating navies. At the March 2026 JEF Leaders' Summit, leaders agreed further measures to strengthen NATO's northern flank, enhance readiness and deterrence, counter hybrid threats, protect critical infrastructure and deepen cooperation with Ukraine.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 21598
Session: 2026-27
Related items: Deposited Paper DEP2025-0341
Monday, 2 June 2025
Deposited papers
House of Commons
Subjects: Innovation Technology Joint Expeditionary Force
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk

Joint Expeditionary Force: Innovation

Secondary information

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