Politics UK

UK and Canada’s Defence Cooperation: Canada Wants to Play Part in JEF

In the security cooperation between the UK and Canada, Canada has officially applied for participation in the UK-led Joint

By Patricia Bennett
September 23, 2026
UK and Canada’s Defence Cooperation: Canada Wants to Play Part in JEF

In the security cooperation between the UK and Canada, Canada has officially applied for participation in the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF). The UK and Canada’s defence cooperation is evolving as Canada seeks closer security ties with Europe through its application to join the JEF. The two leaders announced the application on September 16, 2026. The announcement came after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham. The application has been positively assessed by Britain, which has welcomed Canada’s participation in the JEF.

Canadian Efforts to Join the JEF

The Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) refers to a UK-led military arrangement composed of ten NATO allies: the UK, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden. The JEF helps its members respond quickly to security threats. It focuses particularly on the High North, the North Atlantic and the Baltic Sea regions.

The JEF is not a fixed army but serves as a platform that facilitates military cooperation, exercise and planning, among other activities, for participating nations when needed. The JEF activities can contribute to NATO missions without forming part of the alliance.

There has also been growing attention on the Arctic, High North and North Atlantic by the JEF due to their increasing significance to the security of Europe. It will also reflect on the broader trend of defence cooperation between the UK and Canada.

Shift to Europe in the Canadian Security Policy

Canada has always had good military and political relations with the US and UK. Geographical proximity made the Canada-US alliance more relevant than others, while historical connections ensured Canada’s strong ties with the UK. However, some recent global changes pushed Canada to diversify its strategy.

Joining the JEF project is not the only move that Canada has been making to cooperate with Europe. In July, Canada joined the Global Combat Air Programme, which is a defence and industry project by the UK, Italy and Japan.

The British government explained Canada’s involvement as another step towards building a key defence and industry cooperation. It indicates that the military cooperation between the UK and Canada goes beyond one military agreement. The UK and Canada’s defence cooperation now covers a wider range of security issues.

The Importance of the JEF to Britain

As far as Britain is concerned, Canada’s application provides an excellent chance to increase its ties with one of its important NATO allies that is located outside of Europe. Indeed, the UK is already playing the main role in the JEF. The UK uses it to coordinate military operations in northern Europe and the North Atlantic.

The geographical location of Canada makes these ties have some strategic importance too. Canada has direct interest in the Arctic and North Atlantic, and JEF is more and more focused on these regions.

As a result, greater Canadian participation could create new opportunities for cooperation. These opportunities would focus on shared security interests between North America and Europe. In addition, the step fits into London’s efforts to develop its military ties with Europe after Brexit. This could give UK and Canada’s defence cooperation a broader regional dimension.

UK and Canada’s Defence Cooperation under New Transatlantic Conditions

Brexit made significant changes to Britain’s status in Europe, but did not cancel the country’s requirement for cooperation within European security. The UK remains actively involved in NATO and works together with European states on issues of defence.

The JEF provides Britain with an opportunity to continue practical military cooperation with its European partners regardless of the country’s position outside the EU.

Canada, however, is in a different situation. Canada believes that its defence partnership with the United States is crucial. Nevertheless, in recent years the government of Ottawa has begun to pay special attention to enhancing the country’s relations with European states.

As it was reported by Reuters, Canada intends to diversify its defence cooperation, reducing excessive dependency on the United States. Thus, the term UK and Canada’s defence cooperation refers to the process developing within the context of their alliances.

Trump and the Issue of Strategic Dependence

The return of Donald Trump to the White House is another part of the issue. Canada and European nations have seen increased ambiguity about the future course of US policies on trade and foreign affairs. Meanwhile, Canada has looked to establish closer ties with Europe, both economically and strategically.

The visit of Carney to Europe in September 2026 is indicative of such a strategy. He has advocated for closer coordination between Canada and the European Union on issues like defence, energy, critical minerals, technology, and digital trade.

The Canadian government has also stressed the need for Canada to have the freedom to establish partnerships. In a statement on September 17, Carney said that Canada would choose its own partnerships. He also stressed the importance of developing closer ties with Europe. Instead, the UK and Canada’s defence cooperation can develop alongside Canada’s existing partnerships.

Strengthening the Security Connection across the Atlantic

The JEF application has military utility too. Geographically, it covers the High North, Arctic, North Atlantic, and Baltic areas. These areas have become more important because of growing concerns about maritime security and critical infrastructure. The changing balance of power in northern Europe has also increased their strategic importance.

For Canada, joining the JEF would create more opportunities for military cooperation with European forces. It would also allow Canada to work with European partners on shared security priorities.

Britain could benefit from Canada’s cooperation in the development of cooperation in matters of European and North American security. It is significant, as states are looking for ways to increase their military preparedness without building new organizations.

The JEF provides an adaptable format that lets cooperating states prepare together in case of a crisis.

What It Doesn’t Mean

It is important not to exaggerate the significance of Canada’s move. Becoming part of the JEF wouldn’t mean that Canada was stepping away from its current defence alliances.

After all, Canada is still a member of NATO, and the JEF will be operating within NATO rather than outside the wider Euro-Atlantic security architecture. And joining the JEF does not necessarily mean that there will now be a permanent Canadian military force in Europe. As noted earlier, the JEF is designed to help its members coordinate quickly when needed.

It does not maintain a single permanent force. The point is that Canada is getting interested in European security arrangements while Britain is seeking to build better defence ties with its partners in the North Atlantic.

A Developing Relationship

Canada’s relationship with the UK has not always been based solely on defence. The areas of trade, political cooperation, intelligence, education and a shared history have also figured prominently in their relationship. Emerging trends indicate that the security element within this relationship is becoming more important.

The two states have had discussions about the finance of defence, defence industries, and the development of defence technology. An example can be seen with Canada’s involvement as an observer within the Global Combat Air Programme, and the JEF application as well.

The development of these types of activities does not establish a new alliance, but simply adds more layers to an existing one. In this context, UK and Canada’s defence cooperation is becoming an important part of their broader relationship.

New Stage in Defence Cooperation

Canada’s request to become a member of the UK-led JEF is an important event for the country in its cooperation with Britain and the system of European security. The request is made after a series of events that were aimed at enhancing defence cooperation, among which was the observation of the Global Combat Air Programme by Canada.

This request can represent a positive move for both countries because, for Great Britain, it may mean improved cooperation between the two countries in the North Atlantic and High North. And for Canada, the JEF is one more way to cooperate with European states while being committed to the alliance with NATO.

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About Author

Patricia Bennett

Researcher in the field of political issues. Interested in nature, art and music. I am a girl who is sensitive to political issues and I follow them.

Washington could change its position over the Falkland Islands dispute if Britain failed to meet its defense spending commitments. 
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