The JEF as a Force Multiplier: The Example of Joint Amphibious Response in the Nordic-Baltic Theatre

Abstract

Written by practitioners, this chapter, investigates how military integration between Britain and smaller states in the Nordic-Baltic area in one area—amphibious forces—leads to force multiplication and strategic advantage vis-à-vis a threat posed by Russia. It shows the rationale for such cooperation in terms of military utility and explains how it can be strengthened. The chapter comes at a time when the amphibious capability of the UK is potentially being reduced. British leadership in Northern Europe is welcomed by the Nordic-Baltic States. In the event of a Russian aggression the JEF will have only British and Dutch forces available. This chapter will argue that the combined British—Dutch amphibious force could be employed rapidly to the most Northern area of Norway for optimized strategic effect. The main reasons are space to exploit superior ability to manoeuvre with the amphibious force and the proximity of the strategically most important area for Russia. The argument is based on the logic that the opposing party’s uncertainty increases proportionally with our freedom of action. Only increase in forces can fully mitigate the risk that follows increased uncertainty. Since the operational freedom of action with an amphibious force is larger in Northern Norway than in the Baltic, the force multiplying effect will be highest in Norway.