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<p>The UK continues to play a central role in improving Alliance interoperability. For example, we are: leading five of NATO's Smart Defence projects, which are open to Allies and Partners (Maritime Surveillance; Counter Rocket, Artillery and Mortar fire; Immersive Training Environments; Theatre Opening Capability; and Defensive Aids Suite); participating in NATO's Connected Forces Initiative, which, through exercises such as Live Exercise 2015 to which the UK has committed significant forces, will practice Alliance interoperability; continuing to participate in the NATO Response Force, as we have done throughout 2013, which drives Allied and, where appropriate, Partner interoperability; putting a greater emphasis on NATO's defence planning outcomes; using NATO doctrine as our general default position; and continuing to make a significant contribution to NATO standardisation activities, an important cornerstone of interoperability. The UK is also engaged in other initiatives that will have interoperability benefits, including: the UK-inspired Northern Group which brings 12 northern European Allies and Partners together; the UK's emerging Joint Expeditionary Force concept which envisages our forces training and operating with a small group of close nations; and the UK/France Combined Joint Expeditionary Force being developed under the Lancaster House Treaty.</p> |