WHITE 26 PA P E R The acquisition of self-propelled howitzers from Germany increases indirect fire support capabilities of the LAF. interoperability of Polish and Lithuanian armed forces, enhance their preparedness for defence as well as to strengthen NATO collective defence in the region. Germany significantly contributes to NATO deterrence and defence efforts in the Baltic region. Germany is the framework nation of the battalion sized battlegroup deployed in Lithuania as part of NATO’s enhanced forward presence. This decision demonstrates Germany’s determination and commitment to the security and defence of the Baltic countries. Bilateral relations • • Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) was established in 2015. It has 7 members: the U.K., Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, the Netherlands, Denmark and Norway. JEF is a high readiness force designed to conduct a wide spectrum of operations – from humanitarian aid and deterrence to combat actions in the regions of crisis. JEF is to become fully operational in 2018. between Lithuania and Germany are extensive in the areas of acquisitions, capabilities development, exercises and training. From a long-term perspective, Lithuania strives to consolidate Germany’s involvement in regional security and defence. The United Kingdom mainly contributes to the deterrence in the region by leading the NATO enhanced forward presence battlegroup in Estonia. Cooperation between the U.K. and Lithuania in the security and military areas has steadily increased during the last several years. Lithuania participates in several U.K.-led military projects: the Joint Expeditionary Force, Allied Rapid Reaction Corps, and the NATO Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (2017). Lithuania is interested in retaining the active involvement of the U.K. in ensuring security and defence of the region. France contributes to NATO deterrence implementation in the region. Lithuania, together with France, regularly participates in international operations, for example, in the EU maritime operation “Atalanta”, the French-led operation “Sangaris” in the Central African Republic and the United Nation’s (UN) operation “Minusma” in Mali. Close cooperation is developed in the areas of military education,