Remarks by Royal Navy chief General Gwyn Jenkins about the UK’s nuclear umbrella for Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) partners have sparked debate in Estonia over regional defense, ERR reports.

The UK-led, 10-country framework brings together Nordic and Baltic allies to strengthen deterrence and provide a rapid response to threats, complementing NATO.

Britain is the group’s only nuclear power, and Jenkins has described the Baltic Sea as vital to UK security.

However, security expert Meelis Oidsalu said the remarks do not amount to a separate security guarantee or a change in British nuclear policy.

Experts cited by ERR stressed that conventional military capabilities remain more important for Estonia and the region than nuclear reassurance.

Read more: ERR.EE