Annual Review 2016

Contents

Foreword Page 2

EAG Objectives and Organization Page 3

Director EAG - Handover Ceremony 11 January 2016 Page 4

EPRC Inauguration Ceremony Page 5

4th / 5th Generation Aircraft Integration Initiative Page 6

Air Cyber Page 8

Deployable Air Activation Module Page 9

Force Protection Page 10

VOLCANEX FP CPX 2015 Page 12

EAG Aviation Medicine Yearly Review Page 14

Advance Interoperable Load Management Course Page 16

Eurofighter Typhoon Interoperability Project (ETIP) Page 18

CIS Lessons Identified/Lessons Learned (LI/LL) Page 20

Steering Group and Working Group Meetings 2015 Page 21

1 European Air Group

Foreword

It is my great pleasure to write a foreword to the EAG’s Annual Review 2016. In this Review we look back at our successes of the past, but importantly, we also look forward to a very promising future.

One of the most important achievements of last year was the inauguration of the European Personnel Recovery Centre, in Poggio Renatico, Italy; this marked the successful realization of this project that was established within a 2 year period from conception to delivery, which was a demonstration of the effectiveness of the EAG. This was a significant event and through this Centre our Personnel Recovery capabilities across Europe will be strengthened and our interaction with NATO will continue to develop further.

At the start of this year we hosted the official Director EAG Brigadier General Giacomo De Ponti Handover Ceremony, from Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Deputy Director EAG Pulford to General del Aire Javier García Arnaiz. The highly successful event was attended by Air Attaches and EAG staffs. In the coming year we will continue to explore ways of improving the interoperability and effectiveness of the 7-EAG Nations and also to be well connected with other multinational military organizations.

The EAG has moved forward with important work in many areas, for example working closely with European graduating. We continue to support NATO in several areas, partners in the area of Interoperability of Future Combined not least with the EAG’s facilitation of a multinational Air Operations to establish a forum to increase mutual Combined Air Terminal Operations(CATO) in direct support understanding and information sharing. Within the Air of Exercise TRIDENT JUNCTURE at Zaragoza AB, Spain. Cyber domain we are working to enhance Air Cyber The CATO operated very successfully processing a significant information sharing and improve interoperability between volume of passenger and freight movements and the the partner Nations with the creation of a number of EAG’s CATO procedures provided standardized procedures, supporting multinational publications (Air Forces which were underpinned by the use of common doctrine Reference Manual, Cyber Competencies and Skills using EAG, EATC and NATO documentation. Additionally, Catalogue and Cyber Training Catalogue). At our highly we are working closely with Italy to create the Deployed successful VOLCANEX 15 held at Royal Air Force Honington, Air Activation Modules concept and conops and as a we conducted a multinational exercise, which strengthened consequence, the EAG is playing a central role is supporting FP interoperability between the EAG nations through NATO’s aspiration to increase the number of Multi-National improving command and control procedures, underpinned and common-funded capabilities for future NATO-led by the use of common doctrine and culminated in a operations. There are many other projects that the EAG is simulation of a deployed multinational Combined Joint engaged with, and I encourage you to view our website Operations Centre. Additionally, in the FP arena, with the for further details. support of the Nations, we plan to create the full range of standardized documents for the Nations with the I sincerely hope that you find this Annual Review useful. intention to have generic and standardized documents The EAG works on behalf of the 7 member nations and to for use during VOLCANEX DOBEX 16 in Germany in Oct 16. do our work effectively, but we need your support and your Furthermore, we coordinated the 11th Advanced Aviation feedback. Therefore, please feel free to engage with us in our Medicine Course, with 9 international students successfully aim to improve capability through interoperability.

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EAG Objectives

The objective of the EAG, as embodied in the founding Inter-Governmental Agreement, and adjusted by the Amending Protocol, is:

“to improve the operational capabilities of the Parties’ Air Forces to carry out operations in pursuit of shared interests, primarily through mechanisms which enhance interoperability“. EAG Mission “The 7-Nation EAG Staff develops suitable ideas and initiatives into projects with the aim to produce useable end-products that promote interoperability between the EAG or partner Air Forces and may also assist other organisations in their efforts.” EAG Vision “Seven Air Forces that are able to operate together as one across the spectrum of conflict”. EAG Motto “Improved capability through interoperability”.

EAG Organization

Director (2 year Rotational Post)

Executive Deputy Director Permanent Staff located at EAG HQ (2 year Rotational Post) Staff Officers Admin & Support Chief of Staff (3 year Rotational Post)

AM / SRNO AM / SRNO AM / SRNO AM / SRNO AM / SRNO AM / SRNO AM / SRNO (BEL) (DEU) (ESP) (FRA) (ITA) (NLD) (GBR)

SO SO SO SO SO SO SO (BEL) (DEU) (ESP) (FRA) (ITA) (NLD) (GBR)

SO SO SO SO SO SO SO (BEL) (DEU) (ESP) (FRA) (ITA) (NLD) (GBR)

OC Support (GBR)

C & E Fin Mgr IT Mgr Outer Office IT Mgr C & E Admin Spt (BEL) (DEU) (ESP) (FRA) (ITA) (BEL) (GBR)

3 European Air Group

Director EAG – Handover Ceremony 11 January 2016

On 11 January 2016 General del Aire F. Javier García Arnaiz took over command of the EAG from Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford, who has held the Directorship of the EAG since January 2014.

The handover ceremony took place in the EAG After the ceremony General Arnaiz held a meeting with Headquarters located at Royal Air Force High Wycombe. EAG Deputy Director Brigadier General De Ponti and the All EAG Permanent Staff together with EAG Nations Air and EAG Chief Of Staff Colonel Pierre to offer his vision on the Defence Attachés attended the ceremony. General Arnaiz future work and projects of the EAG. After the meeting was also accompanied by his Air Staff Secretary General, General Arnaiz chatted with the rest of the EAG Permanent Cabinet Chief and EAG Working Group representative. Staff over coffee. Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford addressed the audience to thank all the EAG Staff for their work in the Later the new Director EAG and his accompanying staff, last two years and highlighted the importance of the EAG following the invitation by Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew for our Air Forces development. Pulford, visited the National Air Defence Operation Center (NADOC) located at Royal Air Force High After the handover and takeover certificates were Wycombe. General Arnaiz was briefed on the Royal Air signed General Arnaiz was given the EAG Permanent Force air defence and command and control systems. Staff pin badge by Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford. Once the visit ended the General Arnaiz and the General Arnaiz, as the new Director EAG, took the floor and accompanying personnel enjoyed a working lunch prior confirmed his strong commitment to continue the good to their return journey to Royal Air Force Northolt work carried out and to encourage the future work of the whereupon they flew back to Spain. EAG towards the new interoperability needs in accordance with the defence scenarios. He thanked Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford and all the EAG Permanent Staff for their dedication in the past years. As a gesture of appreciation Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford was presented with the EAG crest by the new Director, marking his time in office.

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EPRC Inauguration Ceremony

On 3 July 2013, the 7 EAG Chiefs of Air Staff decided during the 2013 EAG Steering Group Meeting in Madrid, to create a European Personnel Recovery Centre (EPRC). An interim EPRC was initiated and situated at RAF High Wycombe with 8 Staff Officers under the control of the Director of the EAG. The structure of the interim EPRC allowed the Centre to accept non-EAG personnel as part of the EPRC team in order to develop the operational infrastructure necessary to allow the EPRC to reach initial and later full operational capability (IOC/ FOC). The mandate for these interim structures was limited to two years. The EPRC achieved IOC on 8 July 2015 and an inauguration ceremony was held in-situ at its final location in Poggio Renatico (Italy), splitting from the EAG to become an independent and Joint unit.

The ceremony was hosted by the Italian Air Chief, Lieutenant General Pasquale Preziosa, and was attended by the Italian Minister of Defence, Roberta Pinotti, the Air Chiefs of Staff of the 7 member countries of the EAG as well as many operational commanders from NATO and EU Headquarters.

The EPRC is now successfully established and operational as an independent and Joint unit. It has already grown to 19 personnel, with all 7 founding nations represented. Like the EAG, the Centre is commanded by a steering committee composed of representatives of the member countries and each of the countries is granted the position of Director by means of rotation.

The main activities of the EPRC are organising the Combined Joint Personnel Recovery Standardisation Course and Personnel Recovery Controllers and Planners Course. Furthermore, they lead the Joint Personnel Recovery Steering Group/Working Group and the SERE School Leaders Working Group meetings. Full Operational Capability is scheduled for June 2016.

For more information about the EPRC please visit www.eprc.it

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4th/5th Generation Aircraft Integration Initiative

4th/5th Generation Aircraft Integration new IFCAO task will require direct communication with, Initiative: Expansion Work Towards and support from, the nations at senior/expert level to first The Interoperability of Future understand which areas of interest the nations wish the Combined Air Operations EAG to coordinate. This work strand will be complemented by linkage with multinational organizations – EUMS and This EAG initiative to establish practical steps to think NATO in particular, which will add a joint perspective to the through and shape the impact of the arrival of 5th gen future work and provide the EU/NATO context demanded aircraft on current 4th gen-based European air power by the SG. was initiated in 2014 following a task given by the EAG th th Steering Group. 4 /5 Generation Aircraft Integration Initiative: Future Multinational The initiative had three clear objectives: (1) identify Red Air Requirements 4th/5th generation aircraft integration challenges at an unclassified level, (2) evaluate the need to harmonize a During the EAG Steering Group (SG) held in Poggio Renatico number of these challenges at a Multinational level and (Italy) the 7 July 2015, the Air Chiefs were briefed about the (3) determine a potential role for the EAG in resolving these progress achieved in exploring the challenges of operating challenges. To fulfil these objectives, EAG Permanent Staff 5th generation fighter aircraft alongside legacy 4th generation arranged two seminars (November 2014 and May 2015) aircraft in a coalition environment. where representatives from EAG Air Forces debated in six different areas of discussion: General Interoperability; As part of the task of scoping the broader issues impacting Command and Control; Planning; Operations and Doctrine; the interaction between 5th Generation capabilities with Education and Training; 5th Generation Weapons and legacy air power concepts and capabilities, the SG approved Connectivity. Key Note Speakers (KNS) representing different to initiate work aiming at specific multinational solutions to expertise related to the areas of discussion attended fulfil a possible common “capacity gap” for a future Red Air. the seminars with the purpose of motivating debate and gaining deeper understanding and analysis of the To that end, the EAG hosted in November 2015 a two-day upcoming challenges. workshop on Multinational Red Air Requirements with three clear objectives: (1) For EAG Nations to put in common Key findings of this unique and worthwhile effort were their understanding of a Red Air Capability (2) To motivate presented to the EAG Steering Group in July 2015 which discussion among the nations which could evolve on a decided, not only to continue the work strands where multinational Red Air initiative and (3) To define a minimum specific multinational solutions are foreseen, but also of Red Air capability related sharing requirements to train to expand this work by taking a broader, more inclusive together and to identify possible ways forward. look, to include all aspects of interoperability, C2 and interconnectivity (the ‘cloud’ idea), all within the European The workshop was considered very beneficial for Nations Air and NATO context. and the need for current and future live and synthetics Red Air Training was stated as a common requirement which will To properly embrace the scope of this new task, EAG be further explore during 2016. Permanent Staff have renamed it with a new title: Interoperability of Future Combined Air Operations (IFCAO), as “future air operations” is to be the glue that holds all the work together and “interoperability” is the main asset EAG is capable to provide to the SG challenge.

Having achieved a solid foundation from the 4th/5th Generation Aircraft Integration Initiative, during 2016 the

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7 European Air Group

Air Cyber

The emergence of Cyberspace creates a major technical departure and a real operational and conceptual revolution. This presents new opportunities to nations (going up to the political level) in development and control of Cyberspace, and is considered as a high priority by all EAG Nations and NATO.

In the defence sector, the use of Cyberspace allows the EAG to be involved. Following the direction of the improvement in the performance of weapon systems, Steering Group in July 2015, the EAG proposed to work which are becoming a part of this new space. It completely on how to best support Air Forces in Cyber defence at an revolutionizes our future operations, but at the same time it UNCLASSIFIED level and in a multinational environment. highlights the necessity to better protect our assets in order To begin to achieve this, the EAG organized its first Cyber to guarantee the continuity of our operations. Therefore, this Defence seminar, held at the EAG HQ 13 - 14 October 2015. domain demands attention. The seminar was attended by representatives from the EAG nations and NATO HQ AIRCOM. However, just as the Cyber component can be deemed to be in support of Air Forces (defence of our own Air asset but Some possible EAG challenges were identified during this also attack on the adversary to prevent manoeuvre) it must seminar. Indeed, EAG involvement could immediately also be seen that Air Forces can be in support of the Cyber improve mutual understanding of respective activities and component (destruction of data centres etc). It is therefore facilitate training and exercise sharing. With three possible important to understand at Air level how to integrate Cyber projects in this area proposed to nations, 2016 should be the in Air planning and targeting. Moreover, the involvement first EAG Cyber project year. of Air Forces in the Cyberspace arena is reinforced by the fact that the future vision of Air power will probably be a In parallel of these three possible projects, the EAG keeps combination of Air power and Cyber power. also on investing to support nations in the exchange of information in an ad-hoc coalition and the strengthening of Therefore it is more crucial than ever to coordinate the the resilience against Cyber attack. Cyber component with Air activity and necessary for

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Deployable Air Activation Module

Support to future operations requires innovative and comprehensive approaches to cooperation due to the ongoing necessity to reduce costs. Consequently, NATO Deployable Air Activation Modules (DAAM) have been developed as part of the NATO Smart Defence Project 1.16 and are intended to enable the rapid generation of a Multi National Deployed Operating Base (MN DOB) through Multi National Combat Service Support (CSS) Modules. A keystone of DAAM is that there is no intention to create new forces or units, but only to re-organize existing assets in a more rational and reciprocally-structured modular manner.

The DAAM generated MN DOB would be deployed Multinational Air Wing (DMAW) Project. The EAG has and operated by combining the individual national activated an EAG Air/CSS Planning Group, in support Logistic force contributions as part of a comprehensive of the “EAG side” of DAAM. That Group is aimed at multinational force package, allowing the nations developing a robust planning, force generation and participating in the DAAM Project to meet their operational operating processes to better use existing and future commitments in a more affordable and effective manner. military CSS capabilities to meet multinational operational The development of DAAM is meant to lead to the creation requirements. To this end, an EAG DAAM Handbook has of a mechanism that can minimise the gap between the been produced, in order to develop a system allowing Planning and Force Generation phases of a Deployed the practical implementation of the DAAM Project, with Air Operation. particular focus on the DAAM planning phases. The “NATO side” of the DAAM Project has been progressed with the The EAG nations have agreed to implement the NATO signature of a Letter Of Intent (LOI), where the signatory DAAM Project within an EAG framework and have nations expressed their commitment to NATO to participate developed specific planning and activating procedures. in the DAAM Project. The LOI allowed the activation of a The EAG is therefore supporting the development of specific NATO DAAM Working Group, that will be supported this NATO SD Project, utilising both the outcomes of by the EAG and take advantage of the activities already the EAG DAAM and of the existing EAG Deployable performed under the EAG umbrella.

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Force Protection

EAG Force Protection Publication for Air Operations The EAG Force Protection Publication for Air Operations was approved by the seven EAG Nations and signed by the Director EAG, Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford on 17 September 2014. The “EAG Force Protection Publication for Air Operations” provides a significant step forward for interoperability amongst the EAG community.

Based on the outstanding work of JAPCC ATP-3.3.6 DRAFT, this publication gives an understanding of air minded Force Protection applied to a Deployable Operating Base in a multinational environment.

It was officially implemented for the first time during VOLCANEX 2014 which confirmed its relevance and was met with great success.

As such it currently constitutes as a reference document for the seven EAG nations and other Air Forces for exercises and real life operations until the ratification of the NATO document (ATP-3.3.6).

FP Information Exchange Simple, practical, efficient - That’s what an EAG product can improve interoperability in the field of Force Protection should be! Planning among EAG nations and partners.

Lessons learned from the French led SERVAL operation The FPI exchange procedure was created by SMEs from in Mali had shown that the flow and nature of Force the EAG nations and signed by the EAG Deputy Director, Protection Information (FPI) exchanged between EAG Brigadier General Giacomo De Ponti on 14 October 2015. Air Forces was not clearly identified. Among other The Content consequences, information shared was assessed not accurate enough to establish and maintain clear situation A simple list of identified POCs awareness. In practical terms, the difficulty to gather tactical FPI from other EAG Air Forces during the A practical request form planning and/or the deployment phase of Air assets was clearly obvious. An efficient process

In light of this observation, this lack of formal process to exchange tactical FPI has been assessed as an interoperability gap, as it hampers EAG Air Forces to determine clearly what risk can be expected and which additional FP security measures should be implemented to reduce the risk to an acceptable level for each Nation.

Once validated by the EAG Working Group, a new project was initiated; the creation of a Force Protection Information exchange procedure.

By providing a mechanism which facilitates requesting and sharing of tactical FPI related to FP operational considerations, to and from one another, this procedure

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EAG FP Seminar 2015 As part of the EAG FP STOX-TA activities, the EAG organized the EAG FP Seminar 2015 at the Spanish AIR FP School for “Technical Security, Defense and Support” and the home of the “1st Air Deployment Support SQ. (EADA”) at Zaragoza Air Base, Spain from 9 to 11 June 2015. The Air Base of Zaragoza is one of the largest air base in Spain and offers from a climate and terrain perspective a challenging FP training environment.

In order to emphasize the main seminar objectives, the airmen on Spanish Air Force FP trainings offered under the event was articulated around the following presentations: umbrella of the STOX-TA FP Master Plan to this challenging desert like climate zone. • Static and Dynamic Presentation of the Spanish Air Force FP Capabilities by 1st Air Deployment Support SQ. (EADA), National Force Protection Capabilities • A series of 45 minute presentations of attending The ongoing effect of defence reviews within our nations nations’ capabilities and operational experience, continues to impact national Air FP capabilities and an • Air Command Ramstein Air Force FP perspective on overview of the current national situation was presented peacetime and crisis operations with an additional by each nation during their national presentation. The data focus on the JFAC structure and current challenges, collected will be analysed by the EAG and, if any relevant • EAG overview followed by an in depth focus on EAG points are identified, they will be brought to the attention FP related Projects and Activities, of the 7 EAG Air Forces’ Chiefs of Staff. • A syndicate work in order to discuss national Force Protection capabilities.

Amongst other highlights, a very interesting static display of capabilities followed by a dynamic display were provided by the 1st Air Deployment Support SQ. (EADA) on the second day of the seminar. The EAG FP Community appreciates all effort made by the Spanish Air Force and especially by the Spanish AIR FP School and 1st Air Deployment Support SQ. (EADA) for the outstanding hospitality. The EAG nations look forward to send AIR FP

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VOLCANEX FP CPX 2015

When momentum turns into widespread enthusiasm Following the 2014 edition success and taking in consideration the lessons learned, a new VOLCANEX FP CPX was carried out over the period 19 to 27 October 2015 at RAF Honington, Force Protection Centre (FPC). Once again, it was designed, as a Command Post Exercise (CPX) simulating a multinational Combined Joint Operations Centre (CJOC), using EAG Force Protection documentation (SOPs, SOs and Job descriptions).

Besides, following Lieutenant General Wundrak (C-JAPCC) Participants were able to run a simulated multinational DOB suggestion, VOLCANEX FP CPX 15 was the opportunity to FP C2 structure (within a CJOC), reaching at the end an invite the Baltic States in order to support the current NATO excellent level of standardization and interoperability. Assurance Measures. Additionally to the training in the STF a ‘Planning Education’ In fact, it was not less than 129 attendees that participated serial based on the AIR FP Estimate and a RAF FP Capability in this exercise including Denmark (2 observers), Estonia Demonstration were executed. (2 participants), Latvia (2 observers) and Lithuania (2 observers). A Visitors Day for EAG and NATO visitors was organised on 26 October 2015. The aim of this day was to demonstrate The exercise simulated an AIR FP deployment to a to the senior leadership of the nations under exercise and Deployed Operating Base situated somewhere in Africa. for them to receive first-hand feedback on the quality and It was executed in a Synthetic Training Facility (STF) with a benefit of the training to their national participants. White Force/HICON using battlefield simulation software ‘Virtual Battle Space 2’ which provided the syndicates with Wing Commander Parkinson from JAPCC, known as “Jez” in ‘live’ static camera, balloon camera, UAV and Blue Force the FP community, delivered a brilliant introduction of the Trackers feeds according to the MEL/MIL. Participants were FP planning cycle through a specific and current example: divided into two Command and Control Teams (1 x FRA Air Baltic policing. lead and 1 x DEU lead), each completing 2 x 6 hour executes. While executing, participants were permanently To finish on this point, the Visitors Day picture would not be mentored by an experienced team from the FPC who complete without mentioning the dynamic display of FP guided them in some of their tactical choices and provided in-action performed by RAF FP/MP personnel which was an them with post-exercise debriefings. excellent showcase for FP capability.

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VOLCANEX FP CPX 15 was highly instructive and carried EAG nations expressed the strong wish for future AIR FP with it important lessons. The main one being to review CPXs hosted by the RAF Honington FPC on at least an working documents (job description, SOs and SOPs) as annual basis to establish and maintain a multinational AIR an EAG project and to update documents as part of the FP understanding. VOLCANEX planning process.

In conclusion, VOLCANEX FP CPX 15 proved again to be a very good FP C2 platform on which to train and operate in a multinational environment and underscored the unique training opportunity offered by the RAF FPC. This latter is to be considered a unique training opportunity of great value to train a multinational CJOC via a STF.

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EAG Aviation Medicine Yearly Review

In 2005 the 7 EAG Air Forces’ Chiefs of Staff signed the Aviation Medicine Technical Arrangement (AV MED TA). The aim of the AV MED TA is to provide a multinational framework to promote and facilitate collaboration and cooperation between the participants’ Air Forces in the field of Aviation Medicine. The AVMED TA is the foundation document of the Aviation Medicine Coordination Board (AVMED CB). The CB is the overarching committee comprised of specialist representatives from each participating nation and plans and supervises the overall activities under the authority of the AVMED TA. The AVMED Coordination Board met on 2 occasions in 2015: the 29th Meeting was held in Oxfordshire (UK) in April 2015 and was hosted by the Royal Air Force at RAF Brize Norton; the 30th Meeting was held in Dresden (DEU) in October 2015 and was hosted by the German Air Force. This last Coordination Board coincided with the Closing Ceremony of the 11th Advanced Medicine Course. Aviation Medicine High Cost EAG Advanced Aviation Medicine Course for Equipment Technical Arrangement Senior Flight Surgeon At present there is no pre-established mechanism to The Advanced AVMED Course provides advanced training enable member nations to share their Aeronautical for Flight Surgeons in the field of Aviation Medicine. Medicine (AvMed) aircrew training equipment and The objective of the Course is to give Senior Medical installations, such as centrifuges, spatial disorientation officers (SMO’s) an update on newest developments in chambers, hypobaric chambers or night vision training the field of Aviation Medicine and enable them to perform facilities (generically defined as High Cost Equipment high-level Staff duties as well to advise military policy (HCE)). Enabling nations to share the use of their HCE will makers on Aviation Medicine related matters. The Av Med provide stronger support to Human Factors training and Course consists of a modular structure, given in different could result in a reduction of associated costs. The HCE locations, enabling participants to visit the most advanced TA Project was initiated in 2010 via a FRA-raised Project Aviation Medicine Centres across Europe. Initiation Form. The TA provides a multi-national framework to facilitate mutual support through the exchange of Eleven Advanced AVMED Courses have been successfully aeromedical services relating to HCE for Human Factors run to date: 66 Flight Surgeons from EAG Nations and 12 training of aircrew, thus enhancing interoperability within Non-EAG Nations’ students have benefited from attendance the field of Aviation Medicine. Consequently, the HCE TA on the course. provides for: As for 2015, seven students from EAG member nations a) Mutual logistic support between the Participants as well as two students from Canada and Finland have in the field of Aviation Medicine and specifically in attended the Ad Av Med Course, that included modules the use of HCE for study and training purposes. dealing with Operational Support, Space and Operational b) Establishment of the Hypobaric Chamber Medicine, Policy & Legal issues, Clinical Aviation Medicine, Operating Run (HCOR – the cost of one hour of Human Factors, Aircraft Accident investigation, Spatial operation of a hypobaric chamber) as the common disorientation, Night Vision, Aeromedical Evacuation and unit of exchange to perform all the training Aviation Physiology. activities under this TA. c) Procedures for requesting such support between the Participants, as well as the relevant exchange and balancing mechanisms (modelled against the Air Transport and Air Refuelling Exchange of Services TA – ATARES TA) and eventual financial compensation.

It is envisaged that the TA will be signed by all EAG member nations in the first term of 2016.

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11th Advanced Aviation Medicine Course

1. CAM, RAF Henlow, UK 2. IAMT, Rome, ITA 3. CIMA, Madrid, ESP 4. EVDG, Paris, FRA 5. CMA, Soesterberg, NDL 6. ZentrLuRMedLw, Furstenfeldbruck, DEU 7. ZentrLuRMedLw, Konigsbruck, DEU

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Advance Interoperable Load Management Course

The Advance Interoperable Load Management Course (AILMC) is a train-the-trainer course and, since 2010, has been hosted on an annual rotational basis between the EAG Nations.

In 2015, the fifth edition of this course was carried out in already existing competencies, skills and experience based Zaragoza Air Base, Spain, from 23 November to the on regulations of ICAO, FAA, NATO, EAG and EATC 1. It also 4 December. EADA or “Escuadrón de Apoyo al Despliegue includes updates on the latest developments used within Aéreo” (Air Deployable Support Squadron) successfully the EAG Nations, including training in special procedures hosted and supported the course within its premises such as engine running on/ offloads and winching. in Zaragoza. Instructors from Belgium, France, Italy, This year the course was improved including practice The Netherlands, United Kingdom and the European Air training on a UK A400M and night operations with the Transport Command (EATC) joined the Spanish instructors use of Night Vision Goggles (NVGs). Additionally, the to make the most of this two weeks course. Spanish Air Force supported the training granting access to a C-130 and a CN-295. This course is designated for experienced senior NCOs or junior officers with thorough knowledge of their Over the years, the need and importance for international national load handling process and related dangerous cooperation in the air transportation domain has increased. goods aspects. The AILMC consists of academics and It has become common practice that more nations multinational training activities where attendants get to contribute to an operation. With that, the demands know the specifications of the most commonly transport on modern air transport and capabilities handling planes used in Europe. The course aims at strengthening passengers, luggage, cargo and mail in a multinational

1 International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), European Air Group (EAG), European Air Transport Command (EATC).

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environment have grown. The Advanced Interoperable always been very pro-active in the area of Air Movement, Loading Management Course (AILMC) offers opportunities Fuels and deployed Airfield support. to increase knowledge, skills and experience between international experts and various organizations that have a FIT 2015 event took place in ITA and covered basic Air discipline in ground handling and air terminal operations. Movement operations, such as Aircraft loading/unloading and the documentation and preparation of items of air The necessity for cross-national training is particularly freight prior to loading. The FIT provides a key source applicable to personnel who will work with aircraft of training for Airmen and Junior NCOs who are liable assigned to the EATC, as they will not know exactly which to deploy in support of MN Exercises and Out Of Area aircraft type might be allocated to fulfil a mission. It is operations by providing familiarization with the equipment vitally important therefore that all Air Movements and procedures used by other EAG nations. In 2015, FIT personnel are trained to operate using agreed Multi provided pre-deployment training to personnel who National Standards such as the CATO SOP and know were nominated to support the large scale NATO Exercise where to access details of all EAG Aircraft and any other TRIDENT JUNCTURE where the EAG sponsored a CATO relevant interoperability details. capability to one of the main APODs. Alongside with this, a couple of FIT were run during the exercise as new In September 2016, The Netherlands is scheduled to host personnel were arriving. the next course making it a solid and experienced event within the EAG. There is a well-recognised need to ensure that all Movements Personnel from the EAG Nations are trained Functional Integration Training to operate in the multinational operational environment. Besides the AILMC, a week long CATO Functional Personnel need to be familiar with a wide variety of SOPs, Integration Training Course (FIT) is provided annually by Air Cargo Handling Equipment and the procedures used the Italian Air Force. The FIT is targeted at junior Air to support the wide range of Air Transport (AT) aircraft Movements personnel to provide them with the skills currently in use. As Spain and Italy recently joined the and knowledge necessary to integrate successfully EATC some of the EAG Air Movements tasks will transfer when working in a Multinational environment. The initial gradually to the EATC starting with the projects related to CATO FIT training event took place at Villafranca Air Base Interoperable Load Clearance (ILC). (ITA) in October 2011. In 2012, VOLCANEX provided the opportunity to train the MN Air Movements personnel who deployed to Vouziers AB (FRA) in the set up and operation of a Deployed Operating Base CATO. The 2013 and 2014 EAG and Other Logistical Focuses The EAG has been founded with the aim to improve the operational capabilities of the Parties’ Air Forces to carry out operations in pursuit of shared interests, primarily through mechanisms which enhance interoperability.

The idea behind this is that nations are able to support and/or to complement each other during operations or exercises by applying the plug-and-play principle. This should lead to a more effective operation using fewer resources and with a smaller logistical footprint, and therefore also lead to cost savings. However, that is easier said than done, as there are many interoperability challenges amongst the various nations. The EAG has

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Eurofighter Typhoon Interoperability Project (ETIP)

The European Typhoon Interoperability Project (ETIP) is an EAG activity that commenced in July 2012 and aims to facilitate the discussion and sharing of tactical/operational issues between the EAG Typhoon Community at Squadron level interoperating on three main areas-operations, flight safety and maintenance.

During 2015, ETIP was able to develop tangible products to The objectives for ground operations were successfully support the EAG Typhoon community. An ETIP SharePoint R achieved and a National peculiar AGE ML1 familiarization web page to exchange information on the three main areas revealed that a common use is possible with no major mentioned above was set up. Additionally the group was employment differences. able to develop a common “Flying SOP” document, which will improve interoperability in combined contests. Overall, VOLCANEX LIVEX15 was successful and provided the building blocks for the ETIP to progress further in Following a period of initial Project development work, order to achieve greater levels of interoperability in air and the ETIP community met on April 2015 at Grosseto AFB ground operations. To ensure further improvements, EAG (Italy) for the 5th ETIP Meeting1. During this Meeting, the ETIP SOPs will need to be put into practice as much as Nations representatives agreed a proposal to take their possible on common events in order to further progress interoperability aspirations one step forward, concurring on more tactical employment in the future ETIP VOLCANEX the requirement to organize a live ETIP exercise named events. Sharing information and getting familiar with each “VOLCANEX ETIP LIVEX15” focused on both ground and other ground operation procedure and AGE was extremely air interoperability. valuable and positively contributed to identify solutions that will be developed with nations’ airworthiness organizations The Exercise was conducted at Albacete AFB from to overcome the legal limitations on cross maintenance 14-18 September 15, with the participation of the 4 EAG and peculiar AGE sharing. The recognition of other nation Eurofighter/Typhoon nations. 6 aircraft from ITA, UK and peculiar AGE ML1 will set the milestone for a more efficient ESP; 7 Pilots, 4 Eng./Logistics Officers and 12 NCO aircraft and effective interoperability within the Eurofighter/ Technicians took part in the exercise. Whilst the GAF Typhoon community allowing a significant reduction could not provide aircraft, they were represented during in logistic footprints for common deployments. the ground operations phase. Two EAG Permanent Staff Officers directed and controlled the exercise in coordination The appointments for 2016 will be the ETIP meeting in with host nation senior representatives. VOLCANEX ETIP Moron AFB, hosted by the Spanish Air Force May 2016, the LIVEX15 was conducted under the “Eurofight TA” scheme “VOLCANEX ETIP LIVEX16” in Albacete AB (ESP) in the second and concurrently with the TLP course to take advantage semester of 2016. of the existing deployment. A total of 27 sorties of 30 planned were flown. The objectives of this exercise were focused on exercising platform interoperability for air and ground operations.

This exercise was the first of its kind and it is notable that all air and ground operations objectives were met. In the air operations domain, by following a bottom-up operator- led approach, pilots were able to plan and fly sorties with different profiles up to 4 ships and the production of a combined flying SOPs document. This document will provide the ability to work more effectively whilst undertaking joint combined training or operations.

1 The Meeting was held with the participation of aircrew, flight safety officers and logisticians from the 4 EAG Typhoon nations and Austria.

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CIS Lessons Identified/ Lessons Learned (LI/LL)

During the CIS meeting in November 14, the CIS SMEs stated that information and experiences collected by the Nations in the tactical CIS domain were not exploited fully because they were not shared between the EAG Nations. Even if we use different CIS systems there are a lot of commonalities as most of our CIS equipment is IP and/or NATO STANAGg based. So LI/LL from one Nation are beneficial to other EAG Nations as it will help them to prepare a better and more efficient CIS architecture and CIS deployment. The initial proposal was introduced by the BEL WG Member.

A database to share CIS LI/LL has been created on the The Manual contains all the relevant technical data about EAG Extranet to allow the CIS SMEs to directly add their the equipment and also information concerning CIS LI/LL. The database is currently being populated and transportability. This data and information can be effectively the collected CIS LI/LL will be exploited during the used by planners and technicians as a reference tool for all next CIS meeting to identify common and unresolved operations or exercises involving the EAG Nations. issues and the opportunity to try to find a multinational solution to them by organising specific meeting, bench The aim of the Manual is to help planners and technicians tests and trials. setting up a multinational deployable CIS support and/or exchange of support in the deployable NavAids, RadarAids Deployable NavAids, RadarAids & ATC – TWR domain among the EAG Nations. Moreover it & ATC - TWR Manual will also improve the knowledge of each other capabilities During the CIS meeting held in London in March 2014, in the domain of the deployable Communication and the ITA CIS SMEs proposed to create an EAG Manual Navigation Systems (CNS) to achieve interoperability in a concerning all the deployable NavAids and RadarAids used multinational environment. by the EAG Nations for deployment during exercises and operations. At a later stage, the mobile ATC towers was the Information collected from the Nations and the Manual first equipment to be added to the Manual. (version 1.0) was published in December 2015.

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Steering Group and Working Group Meetings 2015

The Annual Meeting of the European Air Group Steering Group held at Poggio Renatico on 8 July 2015 Lieutenant General Pasquale Preziosa hosted the Chiefs of Air Staff of the European Air Group at Poggio Renatico, Italy, on 8 July 2015 for the annual European Air Group (EAG) Steering Group meeting.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford RAF, in his role as Power, in particular interoperability with the future combat Director of the European Air Group, was the Chairman of environment across a broad spectrum of Air Power the meeting. The Chiefs of Air Staff received a review of the roles. One example is the EAG’s work to take forward EAG’s busy year from the Deputy Director, Brigadier General interoperability between the members of the Eurofighter Giacomo De Ponti ITAF, who highlighted some of the 22 Typhoon community, with integration in tactics, techniques key projects in which the EAG staff has been active. and procedures, including engineering and maintenance best practice. The EAG continues to manage the highly Following the Steering Group, the EAG witnessed the successful Advanced Aviation Medicine Course, and is the fruition of two years of work when the European Personnel prime partner with NATO in shaping the concept for the Recovery Centre (EPRC) was inaugurated in Poggio Deployed Air Activation Modules initiative. Renatico. The project to establish the EPRC was directed by the Steering Group in 2013 having concluded that the European Air Group Steering use of a single, combined and joint organisation providing Group held at European Air Group a viable Personnel Recovery capability for the European Headquarters on 15 December 2015 nations would be necessary. The Centre is to be doctrinally On 15 December 2015 the EAG Working Group met at joint, offering advice and support to all Services. The EPRC the EAG HQ. Their objectives were to review progress and will provide the vehicle to train and educate, assist in provide updates on the Tasks, Projects and Activities within doctrine development, identify lessons learned and seek the latest COS Report including, Remotely Piloted Aircraft to improve interoperability, whilst also acting as the joint System (RPAS), Interoperability of Future Combined Air hub for all international Personnel Recovery activities. Operations, Multinational Red Air, Air Cyber and Future The Centre will be an independent entity, located at VOLCANEX Opportunities. Additionally, the EAG Financial Poggio Renatico and manned by 15 PR specialists. Budget for 2015 and 2016 was presented and approved.

The Steering Group was also informed of significant progress in many other areas of interoperability in Air

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E AG 2016 Annual Review

European Air Group - Improved Capability Through Interoperability