Ten European countries will form a joint navy to supplement NATO's fleet!

Reported by Russia's Komsomolskaya Pravda on April 30.

According to The Guardian, the United Kingdom and nine other European nations have agreed to establish a joint naval force in Northern Europe as a complement to NATO’s fleet.

As reported, Royal Navy head Guy Jenkins announced the formation of the joint naval unit, stating the move aims to "counter future threats from Russia across the open maritime borders to the north."

Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the three Baltic states are set to join Britain in this alliance.

They will conduct joint readiness and training exercises.

Jenkins stated that establishing a multinational naval force would enhance coordination and prepare for potential operations.

If necessary, the joint force will be commanded by the UK Armed Forces Headquarters.

The Guardian noted that the United States will not be part of this alliance, though Canada’s potential involvement is under consideration.

The initiative is led by the Royal Navy, with all 10 member states of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) having signed a statement of intent.

The force will focus on deployments in the Baltic Sea, North Sea, and Norwegian waters, aimed at deterring "gray zone" operations targeting critical underwater infrastructure and enhancing rapid response capabilities within the region.

Notably, this naval initiative excludes the United States, reflecting current divisions between Europe and the U.S. on certain defense issues.

Although the U.S. remains central to NATO, the UK is pushing European nations to take greater responsibility for their own defense.

How large will this joint navy of ten countries be?

The size of this joint navy is not fixed; instead, it will be a rapid-response force composed of contributions from each nation, with its actual scale depending on mission requirements and individual national contributions.

The force operates under the framework of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), with the UK serving as the Framework Nation, leading the effort. Member states will provide ships, personnel, and equipment based on operational needs.

Based on available information, the potential maritime composition can be roughly estimated as follows:

United Kingdom: As the leading nation, it can contribute frigates, destroyers, and P-8 anti-submarine patrol aircraft.

Norway: Has approximately 3,900 naval personnel and over 70 vessels, including four Fridtjof Nansen-class frigates (equipped with Aegis systems), six Ula-class submarines, and six Skjold-class stealth missile craft.

Denmark: Currently has around 3,600 active naval personnel, with two Absalon-class command and support ships, three Iver Huitfeldt-class frigates, and multiple patrol vessels.

Netherlands: Possesses strong naval capabilities, including several Holland-class frigates and conventional submarines, with proven long-range combat capacity.

Finland and Sweden: Both have modernized navies skilled in anti-submarine and mine-clearance operations in the Baltic Sea. Sweden also boasts advanced stealth frigates and submarine forces.

Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania): Smaller naval forces—Estonia has about 300 personnel, primarily operating mine-sweepers and patrol boats; Latvia has one minelayer and several minehunters; Lithuania has no independent navy and relies on international cooperation.

Iceland: Has no regular military forces, relying solely on its Coast Guard (around 100–300 personnel) for maritime patrols, equipped with one large patrol vessel and two Ágústur-class patrol boats.

Overall, this joint navy will not maintain a permanent standing fleet but will achieve rapid mobilization through a modular, high-readiness mechanism.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1863893242671177/

Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author