The Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) has activated a Joint Response Option (JRO) to enhance the surveillance of the maritime situational picture in the Baltic Sea. The initiative means that suspicious vessel movements can be identified more quickly and that member countries improve their ability to act together, writes the Government Offices in a press release.

Sweden has been a member of JEF since 2017, and this is the second time JEF has undertaken measures to strengthen security in areas with critical underwater infrastructure.

– Together with our allied neighbouring countries, we are strengthening security in the vicinity and will continue to work for both enhanced deterrence and increased resilience to address threats to our critical underwater infrastructure, says Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) in a press release.

Defence Minister Pål Jonson (M) emphasised that JEF's work complements NATO's activities in the region.

– The measure means that we further strengthen the surveillance and protection of critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. It is beneficial for our collective security, says Jonson.