Latvia will propose to conduct joint drone exercises next year with the countries of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) in an expanded format involving Ukraine, the Ministry of Defense informed the LETA agency.
Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Defense, Liene Gatere, plans to announce Latvia's initiative at a meeting of the defense ministers of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) countries in Norway.
During the meeting, the current security situation in Europe, the need to enhance operational cooperation among JEF countries, and further steps to strengthen collective readiness and response capabilities will be discussed. Recommendations will also be prepared for the next meeting of JEF leaders, which is planned to take place in Finland.
An updated memorandum of understanding will be signed at the meeting, replacing the existing document from 2018. Since its signing, there have been significant changes in the composition of JEF - Sweden and Finland have joined NATO, and Iceland became a member of JEF in 2021. The geopolitical situation and security environment in Europe have also changed significantly.
The JEF includes Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, the United Kingdom, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Finland, and Sweden. The coalition was established in 2015 at the initiative of the United Kingdom.
