Britain extends nuclear deterrent offer to Finland and JEF partners

Britain is offering its national nuclear deterrent to Finland and other members of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), Yle reported, citing a report by Iltalehti. The offer is part of plans for new JEF combat forces and would add to protection provided through NATO.

British Navy commander Gwyn Jenkins and Finnish Defence Committee chair Heikki Autto confirmed the commitment, according to the reports. Autto also told STT that Britain had made clear its commitment to the security of JEF countries, including through its nuclear weapons. British nuclear submarines would play a central role in the deterrent.

JEF members are due to sign an agreement establishing the combat forces in Oslo in November. The cooperation includes the Nordic and Baltic countries, the Netherlands and Britain. The new forces could be activated without triggering NATO’s Article 5, Iltalehti reported.

Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen is due to brief the Defence Committee on the upcoming JEF meeting on Tuesday. Finland said earlier in September that it would also join France’s nuclear deterrence initiative.