British frigates HMS Lancaster and Westminster and tanker RFA Tiderace led warships from Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia into the Baltic Sea.

The Ministry of Defence say here that British vessels have joined forces with regional allies for “a concerted demonstration of Britain’s commitment to the security and stability of the region”.

HMS Lancaster leads a force of British, Latvian, Estonian and Lithuanian warships.

According to the news release linked to above:

“It is the first operation of the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force – a partnership of nine northern European nations committed to working together on operations as varied as warfighting through to humanitarian assistance and defence engagement.

In this instance, the expeditionary force is focusing on maritime security in the southern Baltic Sea. The Royal Navy ships have been joined by Estonian minehunter Wambola, Latvian patrol vessel Jelgava, and from Lithuania minehunter Jotvingis and patrol ship Selis.”

HMS Lancaster breaks away from tanker RFA Tiderace after refuelling
HMS Lancaster and RFA Tiderace. Image Crown Copyright 2021.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:

“Some of the UK’s closest and most steadfast Allies are found in the Baltics. This deployment is both the latest example of a long and proud history of defence cooperation and a clear demonstration of the capability of the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF).

As the first maritime patrol of made up of exclusively JEF nations, we are ensuring our ships and people are ready to operate in challenging conditions alongside our Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian allies.”

Commander Will Blackett, Commanding Officer of HMS Lancaster:

“It is a real privilege to command the first task group of this type and I have been impressed by the capabilities on display from our partner nations. My ship’s company are continuing to deliver success on operations against the hugely challenging backdrop of the Coronavirus pandemic.”

The Ministry of Defence add that the British ships “underwent a week of full-throttle individual and combined training in the North Sea” on their way to join their Baltic allies.

George Allison
George Allison is the founder and editor of the UK Defence Journal. He holds a degree in Cyber Security from Glasgow Caledonian University and specialises in naval and cyber security topics. George has appeared on national radio and television to provide commentary on defence and security issues. Twitter: @geoallison

15 COMMENTS

  1. That’s 1/4 of the active frigate force deployed. Not having a go, good luck to the lads and lasses.

    Got to get more frigates into the fleet though…

    • It’s sad to notice that my native Finland, also a JEF partner, did not contribute to this exercise. Why not, I do not know.

  2. Morning All,

    There are some great photos over on Navy Lookout of this deployment showing vessels from all the navies taking part.

    Cheers CR

  3. Makes me laugh it was only a matter of a few short years ago that the Baltic States where full of degenerates and sub humans. Now they are long lost bosom buddies must be oil in the Air. What a bunch of soft c—ks.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here