WHITE PA P E R 24 lege which is developed according to NATO higher military education standards, fosters the culture of defence cooperation among the three countries. The Baltic states have also developed the Baltic Air Surveillance Network and Control System (BALTNET). Nordic-Baltic cooperation (NB8). Regional defence cooperation among the Nordic and Baltic countries is steadily increasing as an outcome of the close political and geographical proximity as well as the rearranging of the Baltics cooperation mechanism according to the model of Nordic Defence Cooperation (NORDEFCO). Countries conduct regular Nordic-Baltic consultations on defence issues, discuss the security situation in the region and coordinate their positions regarding NATO and EU initiatives. Lithuania seeks to promote the practical cooperation among Nordic and Baltic countries in the areas of exercises, armament acquisitions, capabilities’ development and international operations. A separate area of practical cooperation is common actions in supporting Ukraine, Georgia and other countries that are conducting reforms in the security sector. Among the Nordic countries, Denmark is a very close and long-time partner of Lithuania. The Lithuanian Mechanised infantry brigade “Iron Wolf” is affiliated with a Danish division for training purposes, while the headquarters of the brigade trains together with Danish division headquarters. The Danish military regularly participate in various exercises which are held in Lithuania. The Northern Group. It is a unique multinational defence cooperation format, including NATO and the EU’s north-east region countries. Lithuania sees the Northern Group’s meetings as an opportunity to discuss various security questions with NATO Allies and partners which share a similar security mind-set. Cooperation takes place both on the political and military level and includes top level crisis management exercises. 3.4. Bilateral defence cooperation Commitments by the United States of America to the security of the Baltic region, its military presence and visibility in Lithuania and in the region as a whole are one of the key security guarantees of Lithuania. The U.S., both on a bilateral and NATO basis, maintains a military presence and contributes to a credible deterrence in the Baltic region. Bilateral defence cooperation with the U.S. also includes different types of military exercises, collective and individual training and courses as well as capabilities development projects. Lithuania aims to increase the U.S. military presence in Lithuania and the region, further improve interoperability between the armed forces, enhance their preparedness for collective defence operations, maintain the U.S. financial support for the development of LAF capabilities and military infrastructure as well as participate together in international operations and missions.