Germany takes the lead of NATO's Very High Readiness Joint Task Force.

Germany takes the lead of NATO's Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF), placing thousands of troops on standby and ready to deploy within days.
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German Army Leopard 2 main battle tanks will be the backbone of NATO's Very High Readiness Joint Task Force. (Picture source NATO)

NATO’s Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF) was created in 2014 at the core of a strengthened NATO Response Force, following Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea and crises in the Middle East. Germany takes over from France, which led the force in 2022. In response to Russia’s full-fledged invasion of Ukraine in February this year, NATO deployed elements of the VJTF to Romania on the unit's first-ever collective-defense mission.

The VJTF is a military force of about 20,000 soldiers including a multinational land brigade of around 5,000 troops and air, maritime, and SOF (Special Operations Forces) components. Leading elements are ready to move within two to three days.

The VJTF and Initial Follow-on Forces are based in their home countries but are able to deploy to wherever they are needed for exercises, crisis response, or collective defense. The VJTF participated in its first deployment exercise in Poland in June 2015 and is regularly tested during exercises on its ability to deploy and respond to any arising crisis.

“Germany is an important Ally and we thank Germany for leading the VJTF in 2023”, said NATO Spokesperson Oana Lungescu. “As Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine continues to threaten peace and security in Europe, there must be no doubt about NATO’s resolve to protect and defend every inch of Allied territory. The VJTF is NATO’s first responder and a key part of our collective defense. Germany’s leadership is a strong display of its commitment and capabilities,” Ms. Lungescu said.

The VJTF is the highest-readiness element of NATO's Response Force. VJTF leadership and membership rotate annually among Allies. In 2023, VJTF land forces will comprise around 11,500 thousand troops, with the Panzergrenadierbrigade 37 at its core. In total, nine NATO Allies (Belgium, Czech Republic, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia) will contribute. Among the major units are Germany’s Panzerbataillon 393, Artillerielehrbataillon 345, Versorgungsbataillon 131, and Transporthubschrauberregiment 30. For the first time, Germany also leads the VJTF’s designated Special Forces command.