WHITE 12 PA P E R tion that a military conflict would be sudden, with a very short early warning period. Due to these reasons, response times would be the most important factor in case of regional military conflict. Lithuania must develop national defence capabilities which are sufficient for national defence, with the object ability to fight until Allied reinforcements are in place. In modern conflicts, the ability to react needs to be evaluated in hours and days, not in weeks or months, so certain LAF units must be on high readiness, capable to respond to both conventional military threats and covert military type actions like irregular armed groups. Accordingly, the peacetime structure of the LAF has to be similar to the wartime structure in order to ensure the most effective preparation and fastest possible response to aggression. Collective and individual defence is an important principle of Lithuanian defence meaning that Lithuania has to develop national defence capabilities for individual national defence and for the collective defence with the Allies for the defence of Lithuania or any other Ally. Lithuania has to develop an armed forces’ reserve, which corresponds to the needs of Lithuanian defence, is properly prepared and equipped, capable to fully man military units in case of a crisis and able to sustain the fighting capability of the LAF during long-term aggression. Development and Modernisation of the Lithuanian Armed Forces Rapid Reaction Prepared Reserve In the case of aggression, Lithuania would be defended by the war time armed forces which include not only the LAF but also capabilities of other institutions as defined by Lithuanian laws. As such, the strengthening of the armed forces’ preparedness and interoperability is one of the top priorities. The transatlantic partnership with the U.S. and its military presence in Europe, is the backbone of the NATOs collective defence system. A strong and coherent Alliance, capable to secure and defend its members, is an essential guarantee of Lithuania’s security. Therefore, the strengthening of NATOs collective defence and deterrence is one of the cornerstones of Lithuania’s defence policy. Taking into account the very short warning time of a possible conflict, NATOs military presence in the region is fundamental for a credible deterrence. In addition, a rapid NATO response, together with reinforcements during a crisis, would need to follow in case of conflict. As a member of the Alliance, Lithuania also has to be ready to appropriately contribute to the security and defence of other Allies. The third pillar of the Lithuanian defence policy is the strengthening of civil and state preparedness for military and non-military threats. A civic and patriotic society, determined to defend its country and possessing the necessary skills and knowledge on how to do it, is one of the strongest