19 WHITE Years Exercise Location Number of troops 2014 Saber Strike Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia 4500 (2300 – in Lithuania) Iron Sword Lithuania 2500 Saber Strike Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia 6000 (3000 – in Lithuania) BALTOPS Baltic Sea 5600 Iron Sword Lithuania 2000 Saber Strike Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia 10000 (5000 – in Lithuania) BALTOPS Baltic Sea 6000 Iron Sword Lithuania 4000 Iron Wolf Lithuania 5300 2015 2016 2017 Largest international exercises held in Lithuania and the Baltic states 2. NATO collective defence capabilities In reaction to emerging challenges, including Russia’s ability to rapidly redeploy its forces to operational regions, NATO created a Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF), which is the spearhead of the NATO Response Force. In case of a crisis, this force would be immediately deployed to the threatened Ally or Allies to demonstrate Allied solidarity and its political will to defend NATO members. Lithuania contributes to the VJTF on a rotational basis and strives for regular VJTF exercises to be held in the region in order to test the capacities of host nations and VJTF to act in concert. The key challenges in this area which need further improvement are the provision of Host Nation Support to the rapidly deployed VJTF units, facilitation of the speedy movement of NATO forces through and between Allied countries as well as a quick NATO decision making process. Participating in the NATO Defence Planning Process (NDPP), Lithuania, along with other Allies, contributes its share to the overall Alliance capability development necessary for NATO to meet its level of ambition, i.e. both for collective defence and out of area operations. As a result of the changes in the security environment, the focus of the NDPP has shifted towards enhancing highend warfighting capabilities, such as mechanised forces and counter A2/AD capabilities. Specifically, Lithuania and other Baltic states have been encouraged to strengthen their territorial defence capabilities, to reflect their status as potential frontline Allies. Strategic Airlift Capability (SAC) Alliance Ground Surveillance system (AGS) Main purpose Rapid transportation of personnel, Ground and maritime surveillanarmament and equipment ce from the air Operational use 1 Collective defence and other NATO operations, rapid deployment of NATO reinforcement in case of a crisis Lithuania contributes to the operational budget only. Collective defence and other NATO operations, intelligence gathering and situational awareness in a theatre NATO Airborne Early Warning & Control System (AWACS)1 Airborne command and control, air and maritime surveillance and battle space management Collective defence and other NATO operations, surveillance and situational awareness in a theatre Multinational capabilities projects in which Lithuania participates PA P E R