France takes command of Nato’s military task force

France has taken over from Turkey in heading up Nato’s highest-readiness military task force. The change at the helm comes at a time of heightened concern that Russia may be preparing to invade Ukraine.

France will head up the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF) as of 1 January, for one year.

“I thank France for leading Nato’s rapid reaction force in 2022,” said Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in a press statement. “The Very High Readiness Joint Task Force is a substantial contribution to our collective defense, and France’s leadership is a strong display of commitment and capabilities.

“At a time of unprecedented security challenges, there must be no misunderstanding about Nato’s resolve: We stand together to defend and protect all allies,” Stoltenberg added.

The VJTF is the highest-readiness element of Nato’s 40,000-strong Response Force.