Canada has requested membership in the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), deepening its defense cooperation with northern European countries, Reuters reported.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the application after meeting his British counterpart, Andy Burnham, in northern England.
The JEF brings together 10 NATO members that can deploy forces rapidly in response to emerging security threats.
Its activities focus on the Arctic, the North Atlantic, Northern Europe, and the Baltic Sea region.
The coalition also includes Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden.
It operates separately from NATO but is designed to support and complement the alliance, including through joint exercises, military planning, and the protection of critical infrastructure.
Canadian membership would extend the partnership across the Atlantic and strengthen its presence in the Arctic, where Ottawa shares security concerns with several JEF countries.
Expanding European Defense Ties
The move forms part of Ottawa’s broader effort to build closer security and industrial links with Europe amid growing tensions with Washington.
Carney and Burnham also discussed potential Canadian participation in the Global Combat Air Programme, an initiative led by the UK, Italy, and Japan to develop a next-generation combat aircraft and supporting technologies.
Canada joined the program as an observer in July, but has not committed to becoming a full development partner.
The talks covered possible industrial cooperation under the program, which could give Canadian companies access to work involving aircraft manufacturing, advanced sensors, communications, and other defense technologies.