Costs associated with the NATO Response Force (NRF) are borne directly by the nations providing the force elements; common funding arrangements are not applied. The exception to this is a time-limited arrangement (until the end of 2009), by which common funding can be used to defray the costs associated with the short-notice deployment of elements of the NRF. This is intended to allow nations a reasonable period of time in which to acquire-individually, collectively or by ensuring access to—the strategic lift capability they need to be able to deploy their own forces.
The force elements we make available on standby to the NATO Response Force are drawn from the UK's Joint Rapid Reaction Force. As yet, none of these force elements have been activated for deployment. No expenditure specifically related to the NATO Response Force has therefore been incurred in this period.
From July to December 2008, the UK's contribution to the NATO Response Force will be an Air Component Command Headquarters and associated support, a deployable air operating base, eight Tornado GR4 aircraft and four air defence aircraft together with two air refuelling aircraft, two tactical transport aircraft, and a contribution to the Joint Logistic Support Group. We will also provide mine counter measures task group command, with a command ship, a destroyer/frigate escort, and a survey vessel. All these forces will be drawn from the UK's Joint Rapid Reaction Force.