Annual Review 2018 Contents

Foreword 2

The European Air Group Welcomes its New Director 3

The EAG – Who We Are 4

EAG Partner Organizations 5

The European Air Group – Celebrating 20 Years of 6 Improving Interoperability

A New Step Forward – EAG Steering Group 9 Meeting 2017

The Combined Air Interoperability Programme 10

Extending the Reach – Air Launched Cruise Missiles 13

Building the Foundation for European 14 Typhoon Interoperability

How the MALE RPAS ISR Training Programme is Shaping 16 the Future of Training

Turning Ideas into Action – Force Protection 18

VOLCANEX FP CPX 2018 20

Countering the Threat from Unmanned Air Systems 21

How to Treat Air Forces – the Advanced Aviation 22 Medicine Course

A New Tool in the Bag – Force Integration Training for 25 Fuel Personnel

New Ideas in the Communications and Information 27 Systems Domain

Cyber – Shaping the New Domain 28

Exploiting Opportunities – the Advanced Training and 30 Exercises Master Plan

EAG Technical Arrangements, Manuals and Procedures 31

1 European Air Group Foreword

Dear reader, extending and strengthening the EAG network and It is with great pleasure increasing its impact. that I welcome you to the EAG Annual Review But 4th and 5th Generation interoperability is just one 2018. The primary aim part of the EAG portfolio. Divided over four focus areas – of this magazine is to Air Operations, Force Protection, Logistics and CIS/Cyber – inform you about the some 20 projects and activities are currently being European Air Group and executed, improving collaboration between the EAG air to provide an update on forces at tactical and operational levels. the status of its many projects and activities. Striking examples are the Interoperable MALE RPAS ISR However, as 2018 marks Training System, aimed at developing a multinational the 20th Anniversary of the EAG, it is appropriate to network of simulators for RPAS crews in cooperation with also take a moment to look back at its history and the , new procedures and achievements, as they continue to provide a solid basis standards for Command-and-Control of Force Protection for our work and remind us of what we can achieve if operations that are being developed in cooperation with we put our minds to it. the Joint Air Power Competence Centre, the Eurofighter Typhoon Interoperability Project, seminars for the exchange Fundamental to the collective security of the EAG Nations of information between the EAG nations on Counter UAS and their allies is the ability to successfully plan and execute and on Cyber, the Advanced Aviation Medicine Course coalition operations. This requires men and women from the and many more. In this review you will find an up-to-date air forces of different nations to be able to operate alongside overview of these and other projects that are being each other successfully, or in other words, that they are executed in the respective domains by the EAG and interoperable. Interoperability is at the core of all joint and its partners. combined operations and few organizations are better equipped to promote it than the EAG. For 20 years now, the EAG has successfully pursued its aim of increasing interoperability between its member nations It is 20 years ago that the European Air Group was and their allies. Through its compact size, large network established in its current form to improve interoperability and flexible governance structure it has been able to between its member nations, in order to strengthen their deliver concrete results that directly benefit the men and capabilities in the pursuit of shared interests. The signing women who are operating in multinational environments of the Inter-Governmental Agreement by and the worldwide. We aim to build on our successes and to on 6 July 1998 – and the consecutive continue to develop solutions for interoperability for the accession of , the , , and next 20 years. – created an organization that is unique in its composition and in its ability to deliver results. I hope that you will enjoy reading this annual review and look forward to hearing from you. Since it was founded, the EAG has proven to be able to punch well above its weight, with remarkable achievements, such as providing the foundations of the European Air Transport Command at Eindhoven Airbase in the Netherlands and also the European Personnel Recovery Centre in Poggio Renatico in Italy. Air Commodore Robert Adang, RNLAF And now, the EAG is once again creating strategic effects Deputy Director EAG by leading the way for the development of multinational interoperability between 4th and 5th Generation weapon systems within the European theatre. The EAG Combined Air Interoperability Programme that was developed for this purpose, is attracting the attention of a wide variety of nations and organizations at senior levels, thereby

2 Annual Review 2018 The European Air Group Welcomes its New Director

On the 17th January 2018, Air General Javier Salto, the Chief of Staff of the Spanish , handed over the position of Director of the EAG to Lieutenant General Enzo Vecciarelli, the Chief of Staff of the . The handover ceremony took place in the European Air Group Headquarters at High Wycombe in the UK and was attended by delegations from Italy and Spain, defence and air attaches from a number of European Air Group nations and the headquarters’ Permanent Staff. This ceremony was particularly significant, as it took place during a year when the EAG as a seven-nation organization will celebrate its 20th Anniversary, which is covered in a separate article in this Review.

The position of Director rotates between the Chiefs of Staff the new Director, of the EAG air forces every two years. The Chief of Staff of the Lieutenant General has been the Director since January 2016, Vecciarelli emphasized beginning with Air General Arnaiz, who handed over to Air that for twenty years General Salto in April 2017. In his departure speech during now, the EAG has the handover ceremony, Air General Salto highlighted been playing a vital the substantial progress that the EAG is making in the role in promoting airpower domain and expressed his thanks to the air forces’ closer military representatives and the EAG Permanent Staff for their work. cooperation and moving interoperability Lieutenant General Vecciarelli becomes Director at a time initiatives forward when the EAG is involved in many projects across the amongst its members spectrum of air power and is increasingly engaged across and he expressed his ambition to further develop the a multinational network of organizations. On becoming support for the EAG at the strategic and political level.

3 European Air Group The EAG - Who We Are

The European Air Group (EAG) is an independent cooperation of seven European Air Forces that finds its origins in the Franco-British European Air Group and was officially established by France and the United Kingdom in 1998. It was enlarged to its current composition with the consecutive accession of Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, Spain and Belgium. Its aim is to increase the level of interoperability between the participating Air Forces.

In order to achieve its goals, the EAG develops products, It operates under the direction and guidance of the Deputy including Technical Arrangements that provide a legal Director EAG (DD EAG) and is managed by the Chief of Staff framework for cooperation and common operating (COS EAG). procedures, and organizes activities such as exercises, courses, seminars and workshops. A Working Group meets twice a year to discuss the progress of the activities and provide national positions. The EAG focusses on achieving short to medium term Additionally, each nation has appointed a Point of Contact interoperability improvements at the tactical and at one-star general level to support the EAG activities; operational levels. Its projects normally have a horizon of finally, Subject Matter Experts are made available by the one to five years, with a number of activities continuing nations to individual project teams. indefinitely. Examples of its output are the European Typhoon Interoperability Project, the European Personnel Besides the seven Member Air Forces, the EAG PS works Recovery Centre, annual VOLCANEX Force Protection in close cooperation with a large number of other nations exercises and the Advanced Aviation Medicine Course. and external organizations, to coordinate activities, exploit synergies and avoid duplication. The EAG distinguishes between three domains of interoperability: the technical, procedural and the human. More information about the EAG can be found at our As its activities are mainly aimed at delivering results in the website: www.euroairgroup.org short and medium term, it therefore has little direct impact on capability development, or finding technical solutions for interoperability issues. Instead, the EAG focusses mainly on developing solutions in the procedural and human domains.

Currently, the EAG is executing over 20 tasks, projects and activities, EAG Air ForcesEAG Permanent Sta spread over four focus areas: High Wycombe, UK Air Ops, Force Protection, Logistics and CIS/Cyber. DEAG Air Chiefs Steering Group Organization (non-resident) The EAG is governed by the EAG Steering Group (SG), comprised of 1-star the Chiefs of the Air Staff from each DDEAG Point of Contacts 1* Forum of the seven nations, one of whom is appointed as Director EAG (DEAG) on a two-year rotation basis. The SG Work1-staring Group meets annually to review the EAG’s Working Group Chief of Sta work and provide direction. PRepresentativoint of Contacests

A multinational Permanent Staff (EAG PS) of 30 personnel, Subject Matters Project Teams Sta Ocers established at RAF High Wycombe Experts in the United Kingdom is responsible for the execution and coordination of EAG activities. EAG structure

4 Annual Review 2018 EAG Partner Organizations

A substantial part of the EAG’s work involves networking and collaborating with a variety of partner nations and organizations. This activity is essential in order to coordinate activities, create synergies and avoid duplication of effort. The network of nations with which the EAG cooperates on its projects extends well beyond the EAG Member Nations, to reach as far away as , USA and , as well as closer to home among the European nations, including Greece, , Hungary, , and others. Prominent among the EAG’s partner organizations is NATO, including HQ Allied Air Command, as well as the Joint Air Power Competence Centre, European Defence Agency, Military Staff, Tactical Leadership Programme and many others. This network not only has a direct functional purpose: it also strengthens the relationships between allied organizations whose members must be able to communicate, understand and trust each other in order to work together towards common goals.

5 European Air Group The European Air Group – Celebrating 20 Years of Improving Interoperability

The EAG has emerged from a multinational recognition that in order for allied air forces to operate effectively together they must first prepare together, not just in strategic terms, but also at tactical and operational levels. This year the EAG celebrates its 20th Anniversary, which is an occasion to reflect on the value and enduring nature of its work to improve interoperability.

The early years - laying the foundations provide focus and momentum. Consequently, the intention The origins of the EAG extend back to the 1991 , to form the Franco-British European Air Group (FBEAG) was during which the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force (RAF) announced at the Chartres Summit in 1994 and the FBEAG and France’s Armée de l’Air (French Air Force or FAF) worked was formally inaugurated at a joint ceremony involving closely together on a range of operations. Subsequently, the French President and British Prime Minister two Air Forces collaborated again, this time on missions in the following year. From the start, the word support of forces in the former Yugoslavia ‘European’ was included in the organization’s title, to enable and in operations over Bosnia-Herzegovina. other nations to join the initiative.

As a result of these experiences, both France and Forming the EAG the UK realized that in order to improve their level of As the FBEAG evolved, it was decided that other nations interoperability, a new organization was needed that would would be invited to become ‘correspondent’ members,

IGA Signing 6 July 1998 - Signing of the Inter-Governmental Agreement by the Ministers of France and the UK, Alain Richard and George Robertson on 6 July 1998.

6 Annual Review 2018 which became the catalyst for a more permanent Air Transport. Another prominent achievement of the arrangement. Italy became the first nation to apply for first years was the establishment in 2001 of the sombrely membership, soon to be followed by others, and on named ‘Mutual Support through Exchange of Services 1 January 1998, the name of the FBEAG was changed to in the realm of air force activity’. Better known as ‘ATARES’, ‘the European Air Group’ (EAG). Shortly afterwards, the this Technical Arrangement has enabled the exchange new Headquarters Building was formally opened at RAF of services in air transport, air-to-air refuelling and other High Wycombe in June 1998 by the UK of State activities. In combination with the decision of the EAG for Defence, the Right Honourable George Robertson MP, Steering Group in 2001 to establish the European Air who the following year became the Secretary General Transport Coordination Cell, this provided the basis of NATO. for today’s European Air Transport Command and the Movement Coordination Centre Europe, both located at The new EAG was formally endorsed by the Ministers of Eindhoven Airbase in the Netherlands. France and the UK, Alain Richard and George Robertson, who jointly signed the Inter-Governmental Agreement Training and Exercises. Recognizing that training and on 06 July 1998. This date marks the formal start point of exercises are amongst the strongest instruments for the EAG, which rapidly expanded under an Amending improving interoperability, organizing multinational Protocol signed on 16 June 1999 to allow the accession exercises has been a core activity of the EAG throughout its of new members and reach its current composition of history. With one of the first accomplishments of the FBEAG seven Member nations: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, being the organization of a ‘VOLCANEX’ exercise series, all Netherlands, Spain and the UK. EAG exercises are still conducted under this name, which allegedly stems from an early exercise that was conducted Early successes in an area containing volcanic rock. The ‘volcano’ aspect The success of the EAG-formula, as a small and agile of the exercise title has been maintained ever since then. independent organization under the direct control of Some ‘VOLCANEX’ have been larger scale and involved the seven air chiefs, was proven early on when significant operations across several domains, however, many have output was achieved in a number of areas. typically been more focussed events, linked with other existing exercises and tagged with a specific designator, Air Defence training. In 2000, the ‘EUROFIGHT Technical such as ‘VOLCANEX FP’, ‘VOLCANEX CIS’ and so on. Arrangement’ was signed, providing a single framework within which aircraft of participating nations can train Force Protection. As an example, the VOLCANEX FP series together to improve operational capabilities and mutual is now a well-established activity that forms a core part understanding, without the need for further paperwork of the annual cycle of EAG Force Protection events, all of or legal arrangements. In 2017 alone, 407 sorties were which have enabled a strong and mature EAG community generated under this TA, proving its continuing relevance. to develop common procedures. The success of the EAG’s

Paris Parade - EAG Nations participate in 14 July Celebrations in Paris, 2000.

7 European Air Group

Force Protection community has expanded beyond the EAG the EDA and the EAG Nations, plus Greece, Poland and the Nations to include Norway, which has signed the ‘Survive Czech Republic. to Operate’ Technical Arrangement and is therefore a formal Partner Nation. Addressing the objective From the outset, the EAGs’ objective has been ‘to improve Continued delivery the Parties’ operational capabilities to carry out operations The EAG’s outputs have been built up over the years to in pursuit of shared interests, primarily through mechanisms include new standard operating procedures, training which enhance interoperability.’ For twenty years the EAG has courses, manuals, workshops, seminars and numerous worked to achieve its objective, principally by generating Technical Arrangements 1, improving interoperability at initiatives and delivering tangible results at tactical and tactical and operational levels, but also generating positive operational levels across a broad spectrum of air power effects at the strategic level. activities. The EAG has engaged with a diverse spectrum of subject matter that includes air operations, communications Personnel Recovery. A recurring theme in the VOLCANEX and information systems (CIS), force protection, air transport exercises was Personnel Recovery. Recognized as an operations, logistics, C2, an advanced training and exercises area in which there was much to be gained from an master plan, personnel recovery, aviation medicine and interoperability perspective, experiences from these much more. exercises and engagement with other organizations allowed the EAG to become the leading authority on Much of the EAG’s work has been ‘demand-led’ – in other Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) issues in Europe. words, the result of interoperability issues identified by Living up to this potential, a preliminary study executed the Member Air Forces. However, a substantial proportion by the EAG PS formed the basis for the decision of the has also been the result of initiatives from within the EAG SG in 2013 to establish a European Personnel Recovery Permanent Staff, led by a 1-Star Deputy Director and an Centre, that was subsequently opened at Poggio Renatico OF-5 Chief of Staff, and comprising staff drawn from the in Italy in 2015. seven EAG Nations.

Aviation Medicine. Identifying an interoperability gap Under the direction of the Steering Group, containing the in aviation medicine, the EAG has also made significant Chiefs of Staff of the seven EAG Air Forces, and also the progress in this area. A Technical Arrangement was originally guidance of the seven-nation EAG Working Group, the developed and signed in 2005, enabling the establishment Permanent Staff have managed and executed an extensive of an Aviation Medicine Coordination Board and also an spectrum of projects, each of which has been aimed at Advanced Aviation Medicine Course for senior medical addressing an interoperability issue or requirement. staff. These initiatives are unique for aviation medicine At times, individual aspects of the EAG’s work have taken personnel within Europe and have been so successful that on a life of their own and grown to become the basis the 14th Advanced Aviation Medicine Course is scheduled for further initiatives on a considerable scale, such as the for Autumn this year, the Coordination Board meets for European Air Transport Command and the European the 35th time in April and courses now routinely include Personnel Recovery Centre. students from non-EAG nations. An established template Developing an interoperability network The EAG’s success and track record have only been possible As it has grown the EAG has recognized that, in order to through the combined efforts of air force personnel from all be successful, it has to network with other organizations, seven EAG nations. Today, at a time of huge changes to the so that it can coordinate work, identify synergies and political, economic, technological and security landscapes, avoid duplication of effort. As a result, the EAG’s wider new threats are emerging that can only be met if allies network has expanded over the years to encompass a cooperate effectively to overcome them. The fact that the dozen multinational organizations, including NATO HQ, EAG’s multinational brand of cooperation has endured HQ NATO Allied Air Command, Joint Air Power Competence and produced numerous, concrete results over a period Centre, European Defence Agency, the Tactical Leadership of twenty years and today continues to lead with new Programme and the EU Military Staff. Additionally, it has initiatives, demonstrates its true value. The EAG is a compact collaborated with many nations, in order to develop or organization that through its flexible structure, extensive implement specific projects, including Norway, Australia, network and output oriented nature is able to create real Canada, Hungary and Sweden. The EAG has also established improvements for interoperability between its member links with the USAFE, particularly concerning 4th – 5th nations and their allies and it is ready to keep on delivering Generation interoperability and is currently engaged in a in the next twenty years. MALE RPAS training project, whose stakeholders include

1 A complete list of TA’s is included at the back of this Annual Review 2018.

8 Annual Review 2018 A New Step Forward – EAG Steering Group Meeting 2017

The EAG is governed at the highest level by a Steering Group (SG) consisting of the Chiefs of the Air Staff of each of the seven member nations. The SG meets once a year to review the work of the EAG and to provide direction for the coming year.

Thomas Paudeleux (Armée de l’air).

The Meetings of the Steering Group are chaired by the 4th Generation technologies in multinational operations, Director of the EAG, a position that is shared between the thereby laying the foundation for successful future seven EAG Nations on a two-year rotational basis. The 2017 cooperation between the European Air Group nations SG Meeting was hosted in Cazaux, France, on the 4th of July and their allies. by Général d’armée aérienne André Lanata, Chief of Staff of the French Air Force, and chaired by the Director of the EAG, The Chiefs of Air Staff also discussed other projects and General del Aire Javier Salto Martinez-Avial, Chief of Staff new initiatives across the four EAG domains of current of the Spanish Air Force. The Chiefs of Air Staff and other interest, which are Air Operations, Force Protection, Logistics representatives received a review of the EAG’s year from and CIS/Cyber, and reached agreements that will enable the Deputy Director, Air Commodore Robert Adang, who work in these domains to move forward with confidence highlighted some of the many projects in which the EAG and direction. Permanent Staff were active. The members of the SG also congratulated the EAG The SG discussed the significant progress made since the Permanent Staff for their work during the previous year previous meeting in many areas of Airpower interoperability and for the successful development of the CAIP, which was and considered potential courses of action for the major sufficiently mature for it to be implemented. As Chairman, projects being undertaken by the EAG Permanent Staff. the Director stressed the importance of the EAG’s work for its seven Air Forces and emphasized the need for the EAG One of the main topics of the Meeting was the launch Permanent Staff to be supported in their work. of the Combined Air Interoperability Programme (CAIP). This ambitious Programme, described in further detail later The 2018 SG Meeting is being hosted by the Belgian Air in this Annual Review, addresses the challenges that result Force and is scheduled to take place in June 2018. from integrating new 5th Generation systems with existing

9 European Air Group The Combined Air Interoperability Programme

During the Steering Group Meeting in July 2017, the Air Chiefs of the seven EAG Air Forces gave their unanimous support to the Combined Air Interoperability Programme – or CAIP – achieving a major milestone in the EAG’s activities. With the Programme now in place, the CAIP constitutes the most comprehensive plan to date in Europe for addressing multinational 4th – 5th Gen interoperability.

Having started to investigate future interoperability as progressively assembled, before they were finally presented early as 2014, the EAG Permanent Staff was tasked by to the Steering Group for endorsement in July 2017. the Steering Group in 2016 to develop a concrete plan to identify and resolve future 4th – 5th Generation Methodology interoperability challenges and to deliver the first concrete The framework of the CAIP is centred on a systematic results in 2018 and 2019. The EAG Permanent Staff methodology for identifying current and future addressed this task with a series of bilateral fact-finding interoperability challenges. In order to provide context, a meetings that were the basis for broader engagement long-term objective for 2030+ has been defined that has using a series of questionnaires and workshops involving been translated into an intermediate objective for 2022, subject matter experts – many with 5th generation to provide a conceptually manageable and predictable experience – from the seven EAG Air Forces, NATO HQ Allied timeframe. Next, the challenges have been identified that Air Command (HQ AIRCOM) the Air Forces need to be resolved in order to achieve the intermediate in Europe (USAFE) and the Tactical Leadership Programme objective and individual plans have been developed to (TLP). Through these activities, which were carried out address each challenge. under the working title of ‘Interoperability in Future Combined Air Operations’, the methodology, challenges Rather than being a finite project with a fixed end date, and governance model that today form the CAIP were the CAIP is a rolling, continuous programme in which the

Frank Crebas.

10 Annual Review 2018 roadmaps will constantly be updated and new goals will challenges will be addressed at a later time, the EAG be set at strategic points, in order to grow new objectives. Permanent Staff has begun to execute the first series of six projects. Challenges Using the CAIP methodology, 16 individual challenges Governance have been identified, which are distributed across four The CAIP is a complex programme, centred on 4th – 5th categories: General, Air operations, Air enablers and Air C2. Generation interoperability, but which encompasses a These challenges address a broad variety of topics, such wide range of interconnected subject matters. Its diverse as 4th – 5th Gen connectivity, Red Forces capabilities, but interdependent roadmaps and timelines extend Operational Training Infrastructure, synthetic training beyond the normal planning horizons for other EAG networking, standardized facility requirements, common activities, therefore, it has to be managed carefully and terminology and common operating procedures. Once the collaboratively. In order to meet its objectives, the execution concepts, objectives and roadmaps for each challenge have of the CAIP is supported by a tailor-made governance been established, then they will be further developed into structure that ensures continued engagement of the one or more separate projects within the programme. stakeholders, ranging from the highest command levels to the individual subject matter experts and at the Within the EAG Permanent Staff, teams have been same time provides adequate capacity for coordination established to execute the individual CAIP projects. and integration. The role of the Permanent Staff is to carry out the bulk of the work, and manage and coordinate the projects, but The CAIP Governance structure consists of three levels: at the expertise is drawn from a broad base of subject matter the highest Corporate Management Level, the EAG Steering experts from the EAG Air Forces, and associated nations Group provides top-level oversight and strategic direction. and organizations. This process requires close cooperation One tier lower at the Programme Management Level, the with the individuals and organizations involved. CAIP Management Board has been established, comprising representatives of the EAG Member Nations, in order to Not all challenges will be developed at the same pace, provide guidance from the Nations to the EAG Permanent as there are limitations to the capacity of the EAG Staff. Finally, at the Project Management Level, the project Permanent Staff to run projects and the EAG nations to teams are responsible for developing the practical output support them. Furthermore, the issues involved do not of the Programme, in conjunction with subject matter all have the same level of urgency. Hence, while other experts and in collaboration with other organizations.

Cyril Amboise (Armée de l’air).

11 European Air Group

International Cooperation that training airspace and ranges are established and The subject of 4th – 5th Gen interoperability affects available, Red Forces capabilities are aligned and synthetic all allied nations and the EAG is not the only training networks can be exploited, as well as other related multinational organization that is working to address it. initiatives. This work will undoubtedly have to take into Effective cooperation with EAG partners is therefore account the significant changes being implemented paramount in order to achieve the CAIP’s objectives and within European airspace under the Single European as a result, the EAG is actively seeking cooperation with Sky ATM Research project (SESAR) for which the EAG is other nations and organizations, such as the Joint Air engaging accordingly. Power Competence Centre (JAPCC), HQ AIRCOM, USAFE, the European Defence Agency (EDA), NATO HQ and TLP. Way ahead The intent of this cooperation is to identify related The CAIP is attracting the attention of a wide variety of initiatives, create synergies and avoid duplication, with nations and organizations at senior levels, thereby the EAG assuming either a leading or supporting role, extending and strengthening the EAG network and depending on the area of expertise. In some cases, other increasing its impact. This provides the EAG with a robust organizations may be better equipped to deal with a instrument for achieving results as well as the energy given challenge or are already addressing it. In these needed to push forward in close cooperation with its situations, the EAG will sequence and deconflict this work partners. The challenge for the coming years will be to within the CAIP, monitor the progress and contribute capitalize on this momentum and to start delivering on were necessary. an ambitious but vital programme, thereby laying the groundwork for future interoperability within Europe. Training and Exercises Multinational training and exercises are some of the most effective instruments that the EAG has at its disposal to create interoperability. As a result, a considerable amount of effort will be devoted to ensuring that the optimum preconditions are created for multinational 4th – 5th Gen training. Activities will for instance be aimed at ensuring

Aeronautica Militare.

12 Annual Review 2018 Extending the Reach – Air Launched Cruise Missiles

With the emergence of complex Surface to Air Missile (SAM) systems that create highly contested environments for air operations, the use of stand-off weapons to overcome these threats is coming increasingly into focus. As a result, the EAG’s “Air Launched Cruise Missile” Project aims to create synergies amongst participating nations and improve interoperability in this important air power domain.

Five of the seven EAG air forces operate Air Launched Stand-off Missiles systems (France, Germany, Italy, Spain Combined planning exercise and UK) comprising SCALPE, STORMSHADOW and TAURUS. Although this project is still in its early stages, the While most of the planning and employment of these participating Nations have already agreed to invest in a missiles is a national responsibility, some of the differences collaborative exercise. In the Spanish TAUREX exercise, there between systems and procedures could impede their is an established Live exercise on hand within the EAG effectiveness during multinational operations. Nations that focuses on stand-off weapon employment. During this two-day exercise, the Spanish Air Force rehearses Aligning the planning cycles all aspects of the employment of the TAURUS stand-off The EAG is aiming to advance the integrated planning weapon, from the planning constraints within the national processes between the national planners and NATO, in Air Operations Centre, to the loading of mission data onto order to improve capabilities on joint operations. In 2017, the missile, to flying the employment mission as part of the “Air Launched Cruise Missiles” Project was initiated, to a complex Composite Air Operations (COMAO) scenario. create a network among the stand-off missile community, Members of the EAG Permanent Staff were able to observe and facilitate discussions and training on tactical and this exercise in November 2017 and obtained agreement operational issues. By involving NATO HQ Allied Air from Spain for future EAG participation. Command (HQ AIRCOM) in this project, the interface between the national planning cycles and the NATO The next steps Combined Air Operations Centre (CAOC) planning cycle Using this framework, the EAG ALCM Project is now has become an additional objective. establishing a Command Post Exercise (CPX) to enable planners from the five participating nations and partner An inaugural workshop held at RAF High Wycombe in organizations to train in a multinational environment. the UK in summer 2017 provided the participating This step will not only allow mission planners to increase nations with the opportunity to share general planning their skills, but will also assist CIS personnel in identifying considerations and training requirements. Through this relevant requirements to plan and operate from deployed forum, which was joined by personnel from NATO bases. Looking ahead, the future roadmap envisages NATO HQ AIRCOM, an initial network was formed that CAOC planners taking part in future exercises, in order to acknowledged the value and the potential in this develop and rehearse procedures all levels of command. EAG project.

Defence Imagery (Cpl Mark Parkinson).

13 European Air Group Building the Foundation for European Typhoon Interoperability

The European Typhoon Interoperability Project (ETIP) provides a unique Eurofighter Typhoon “platform” for information sharing, the development of procedures and for the promotion of standardization.

The EAG Nations that operate the Eurofighter Typhoon are Synergies in ground support Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK. ETIP is an EAG activity In the ground support domain, an important milestone that was originally established in July 2012, to facilitate the has been achieved with the development of a sharing of tactical and operational lessons and procedures multinational matrix for using aircraft ground equipment between the EAG Typhoon operators at squadron level. (AGE). This matrix, known as the ‘AGE Compatibility Matrix’, The aim of ETIP is ‘to facilitate the discussion and sharing has been recognized and approved by national Military of tactical/operational issues in order to develop improved Airworthiness Agencies. The Matrix enables the mutual interoperability between the EAG nation’s aircrews and recognition of standards with which nations can pool supporting staff’. Effectively, this work seeks to improve and share AGE during common detachments and the Eurofighter Typhoon communities’ capability to operations. This development can reduce the normal operate together in combined environments, both in logistic footprints, as demonstrated by Italy and Spain the air and on the ground; the primary focus is on three during the TLP flying courses. This important achievement areas: operations, flight safety and maintenance. has been made possible thanks to the close cooperation of the ETIP representatives who have defined a common Live exercises set of criteria and base document for their national A vital component of ETIP is the annual live exercise, certification processes. To improve interoperability in designated using EAG conventions as ‘VOLCANEX ETIP aircraft cross-servicing (CAS) ETIP is now working to LIVEX’, during which ETIP procedures are rehearsed, expand the AGE Compatibility Matrix by including other best practices are evaluated and the results validated. equipment, to create a common document containing These exercises are conducted under the legal framework national procedures for See-off, See-in, Before Flight, of the long-running Eurofight Technical Arrangement, After Flight and Turnaround phases. which was first established by the EAG in 2000 to enable multinational air defence training. The LIVEX are usually Exploiting the lessons from operations planned to coincide with other scheduled exercises, to With an eye on operations and the future, the annual ETIP take advantage of existing deployments of aircraft and Meeting that took place in Milan, Italy, in December 2017 personnel, such as the Tactical Leadership Programme allowed pilots and engineers to share information based on (TLP) courses in Albacete, Spain. The ETIP exercises are their Baltic Air Policing experiences and to become familiar considered to be unique, as they exclusively focus on with other nations’ procedures and AGE. The introduction of improving interoperability in Eurofighter Typhoon air up to date operational experiences into ETIP has introduced operations and ground support domains. Unfortunately, as new lessons that can be exploited in order to improve a result of intensive operational commitments of the Eurofighter Typhoon interoperability. Building on this nations, a substantial challenge has been to find an momentum, in 2018 two different opportunities are being opportunity for all the EAG ETIP air forces to exercise assessed for conducting a VOLCANEX ETIP LIVEX. The main together in 2017. objectives of the next exercises will be to trial and validate the combined tactical standard operating procedures In order to create more opportunities for development, derived from a Baltic Air Policing scenario and to familiarize during 2017 the “ETIP Terms of Reference” (TOR) were technical personnel in ACS procedures and AGE use. reviewed. The new TORs provide a broader scope for conducting ETIP activities and introduce more flexibility, in particular concerning the LIVEX, which can now be modified from a ‘Full’ LIVEX event – including both flying and ground activities – to a ‘Ground’ LIVEX, primarily focused on maintenance interoperability.

14 Annual Review 2018

Aeronautica Militare. EAG Image Library.

Aeronautica Militare.

Christian Timmig ().

15 European Air Group How the MALE RPAS ISR Training Programme is Shaping the Future of Training

The EAG and the European Defence Agency (EDA) are collaborating to introduce an innovative, multinational, networked synthetic training system that will promote interoperability in the use of Medium Altitude Long Endurance Remotely Piloted Air Systems (MALE RPAS).

l’Armée de l’air.

The development of MALE RPAS has caused a revolution understanding of the challenges involved in the training in terms of creating and maintaining situational awareness of MALE RPAS ISR crews, which then contributed to the in recent allied operations. However, the distribution of Programme development. The joint MALE RPAS ISR air assets able to provide this capability in Europe varies Training Programme formally began in September 2016, between different nations and the same can be said of following an exchange of letters between the EDA and the level of interoperability and mutual cooperation EAG. In consultation with the EAG, the EDA MALE RPAS between operators. Community drew up the Tender Specification for the networked RPAS Training Technology Demonstrator (RTTD), Development of a new training solution which is the technical equipment on which the Programme In order to improve this situation, the EAG is collaborating is based. Following an acquisition process by the EDA that with the EDA European MALE RPAS Community to develop took only three months, including submission of the tender a unique training solution to promote interoperability and evaluation of industry proposals, the contract was between MALE RPAS Intelligence, Surveillance and awarded in January 2017 to a DCI/DIGINEXT consortium Reconnaissance (ISR) operators. This development has from France. strong potential to result in a capable and effective MALE RPAS operational community and build a solid foundation Components for combined European MALE RPAS ventures in the future. ‘IMRIT’ is the EAG component of the Programme and involves the coordination and delivery of training With a development and delivery schedule spanning objectives, planning, a syllabus and scenarios to enable just two years, the Interoperable MALE RPAS ISR Training the interoperability training to begin at the earliest (IMRIT) Programme will introduce an innovative, low cost opportunity. The ability to collectively plan, execute and multinational synthetic training capability that could debrief common missions using IMRIT will significantly become a template for other networked initiatives. improve interoperability and foster a common multinational understanding of MALE RPAS ISR operations. Preparation In early 2016, EAG visits to three Un-Manned Air System The RTTD programme, which is the EDA contribution to schools in Spain, France and Italy provided a baseline the joint activity, is scheduled to run under a contract

16 Annual Review 2018 established for four years. Once the RTTD systems will coordinate the delivery of the training objectives, have been installed, they will be networked to provide planning, syllabus and scenarios to enable the training collaborative training within a synchronised environment. to begin at the earliest opportunity. MALE RPAS operators will be able to operate within this environment at their own training station, while Perhaps the greatest significance of the programme lies communicating between the training sites in the in the fact that it will lead to the establishment of the respective member states to coordinate their missions. first multinational synthetic training network of its kind in Europe. This will not only provide RPAS operators from Building the network different nations with a unique opportunity to improve The installation of RTTD equipment is already underway, their operational effectiveness, but also enable them with the first two systems delivered to Salon de Provence to share best practices and collaborate in training and in France and Amendola in Italy, in December 2017 and the development of common procedures. If proven January 2018 respectively. In March and April of 2018 to be successful, it could turn out to be the first step in two more systems are being installed in Spain and the establishing comparably low-cost solutions for Netherlands, providing an Initial Operational Capability. multinational interoperability training for other operators, RTTD systems will then be delivered to the other three such as fighter and helicopter pilots, thereby filling a EAG nations as well as Poland and Greece. Final deliveries major gap in the training activities of the air forces of are expected in the Autumn of 2018, after which the the future. system will be at Full Operational Capability. The EAG

Aeronautica Militare.

17 European Air Group Turning Ideas into Action – Force Protection

In 2018, the EAG continues to move forward in the Force Protection domain by Strengthening the Network; Improving and Promoting Standardization; and Enhancing Education, Training and Exercise; this article explains how.

The EAG’s Force Protection (FP) activities are underpinned Relationships with the FP POC community are fostered by the “Survive to Operate and Force Protection exchanges by the hosting of biannual meetings of the STOX TA in the field of Air Force activity” Technical Arrangement Coordination Board. During these meetings, the STOX (STOX TA). The STOX TA was originally signed on 06 June TA POCs from the seven EAG Nations and Partner 2002 and was the first major FP success. This document Nation Norway analyse and discuss current FP issues, provides a multi-national framework, for promoting and provide input for new FP initiatives and make decisions facilitating training and exercises, as well as exchanges on important topics. Not only do these meetings allow of personnel and information, between the participating better cooperation, coordination and the exchange Air Forces in the field of Survive to Operate and Force of advice and experience, but they are also a vital part Protection (STO/FP). Many of the EAG’s FP achievements, of the planning and supervision of EAG FP projects such as the Air Mobile Protection Team (AMPT) Manual that require close and regular collaboration with and FP Information Exchange Procedures, have resulted the nations. from the momentum generated by this document. Additionally, by organizing and coordinating an annual Strengthening the Network FP Seminar, the EAG FP is able to strengthen its bond The process of strengthening the EAG FP network with the FP SME community. These events help to incorporates three different areas: FP Points of Contact improve SME knowledge of multinational FP events (POC), FP Subject Matter Experts (SME) and POCs for and the understanding of FP issues associated with Counter-Unmanned Air Systems (C-UAS). current contingency and crisis operations. By bringing

Kevin Schrief (Bundeswehr).

18 Annual Review 2018 specialists together from the different FP areas – such as In addition to the EAG FP Master Plan, an Air FP C2 Protection, Firefighting and CBRN – far better synergies Course, which is currently in development, will provide can be developed. multinational standardized training for Air FP C2 Specialists, allowing FP C2 components to operate at a high level The third area in which strong relationships are being of interoperability. The Course will also provide FP C2 developed is the C-UAS community. On a regular basis, Specialists with a common knowledge of international FP C-UAS Information Exchange meetings are organized aspects, such as NATO policy, documentation and tactical between the EAG Nations and other international agencies, EAG FP procedures. such as NATO and the EDA, enabling information to be collected and shared within this area. These meetings Although workshops, meetings and courses all provide provide an opportunity to develop ways of facilitating useful information and improve mutual understanding, the exchange of relevant C-UAS information at an putting all of these lessons into practise during joint unclassified level. exercises provides a significant enhancement to FP personnel and their ability to work effectively in a In addition to these three primary areas for strengthening multinational environment. The EAG’s ‘VOLCANEX FP’ the EAG FP network, regular cooperation and collaboration exercise provides Air FP personnel with that experience. takes place with other organizations, such as the JAPCC, Conducted annually, as either a Command Post Exercise EDA, NATO and ASIC, enabling the EAG to take an active (CPX) or Live Exercise (LIVEX), VOLCANEX FP is a unique part in many of the main external Air FP events, including opportunity for FP personnel to demonstrate their the NATO AC FP Seminar, EDA PT C-SAFIRE, NATO FP capabilities, exchange their experiences and enhance their Working Group. network. The scenarios included in the VOLCANEX exercises are updated regularly to reflect current and forecast Improve and promote standardization requirements and to provide realistic inputs that enable By promoting FP Command better outputs. and Control (C2) standardization during the development of Standardised Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Job Descriptions, and also standardizing the layout of FP C2 components, the EAG FP community and its partners are able to provide vital support to FP Commanders and FP Personnel when being deployed on exercises or operations. Allied to this work, the EAG FP team in collaboration with the JAPCC has recently produced a “Think Piece” on FP C2. This document acts as useful tool in establishing FP C2 procedures in a worst-case scenario and will serve as a basis for further development, approval and implementation in NATO Ejército del Aire. documentation (ATP 3.3.6).

Enhance education, training and exercises Like many aspects of air power, education, training and exercises play a key role in the improvement of personnel and procedures. The EAG FP Master Plan provides a multinational FP training and exercise tool that enhances the mutual understanding and capability to operate in a combined environment, providing a single framework for organizing EAG FP training events and exercises in an efficient and accessible manner. Biannual meetings are held between the EAG Nations and partner nation Norway to keep this Master Plan up-to-date and to maintain momentum.

Jana Neumann (Bundeswehr).

19 European Air Group VOLCANEX FP CPX 2018

A central part of the EAG’s work to promote interoperability in the Force Protection domain is the highly successful ‘VOLCANEX FP’ exercise series. This year’s VOLCANEX FP exercise is taking place at RAF Honington and concentrates in particular on C2 activities.

The 2018 VOLCANEX FP is a command post exercise Introducing new threats and procedures (FP CPX) involving the EAG nations plus Norway, which To improve the realism of this year’s exercise, new emerging takes place in the Spring, and is hosted and supported threats such as Unmanned Air Systems (UAS) and Cyber by the RAF Force Protection Centre at RAF Honington, elements will be incorporated. As a consequence, the EAG in the UK. The RAF’s Synthetic Complex Air Ground CIS/Cyber team, together with Cyber specialists from EAG Environment (S-CAGE) facility located at Honington is nations, will provide their expertise and brief participants on able to comprehensively simulate a FP Command Post the threats during the build-up phase of the exercise and and with a new version of the simulation software now throughout the exercise itself. Additionally, the combined in place, the S-CAGE will be able to bring a greater level Force Protection Think Piece on C2 Procedures, which has of realism to the exercise. recently been produced jointly by the EAG in partnership with the Joint Air Power Competence Centre (JAPCC) will be This year the exercise is being held over two consecutive used for the first time as a baseline and reference document weeks, each of which consists of an identical program. for training, setting a standard for future FP exercises. The participating nations share these weeks so as to maximize training capacity and capabilities.

Preparation The preparation for VOLCANEX FP CPX 2018 follows a typical sequence of planning events, with the aim of confirming the objectives, venue, participants, exercise format, and logistical and administrative arrangements. Initially, following an outline assessment of the objectives, the exercise schedules and opportunities to host the VOLCANEX were identified and proposed by the EAG FP community one to two years in advance. Closer to the time an Initial Planning Conference (IPC) took place approximately six months before the VOLCANEX, followed by a workshop to develop the training scenarios and finally a Main Planning Conference (MPC) two to three months before the event. For this year’s exercise, these events were hosted at the EAG HQ late 2017 and early 2018.

Left/Above: From VOLCANEX, an exercise taking place in the Force Protection Centre, RAF Honington. The exercise was attended by members of the Royal Air Force as well as members of the French and Spanish Air Forces. Images by SAC Victoria Goodall, RAF Honington.

20 Annual Review 2018 Countering the Threat from Unmanned Air Systems

Within the past twenty years, potentially hostile forces have used and planned to use unmanned air systems (UAS) not only to conduct or facilitate attacks on friendly forces, but also to gather information about the ways in which allied operations are executed.

This threat has increased significantly over the last couple of years due to the rapid advances in technology and manufacturing that enable wide access to highly efficient, low cost, off-the-shelf systems. Due to the nature of the threat, advancements across several domains are required in order to counter them.

Responding to the challenge The systems used are typically smaller Class 1 UAS (less than 150Kg) which, because of their small profile, are difficult to detect, track and positively identify as being hostile. Therefore, in order to counter them, an adaptation of the existing Force Protection (FP) measures is required. As part of a process to build effective procedures and develop a common understanding, the EAG Nations have agreed to gather together twice a year to share information in the C-UAS domain. Initially, the main focus has been on sharing Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs) but work has rapidly been extended to include the training and technological domains.

In 2017, the EAG Nations agreed to organize bi-annual workshops, at which more sensitive information could be discussed; a proposal was also accepted to create an on-line platform where C-UAS information and documentation can be shared. As a result, during 2018 the EAG Nations aim to build on the platform in order to present an update on the C-UAS means they have acquired or tested, present the training principles they are adopting for their personnel, and share operational experiences.

Sharing experience and ideas As the threat of Class 1 UAS grows, it is vitally important for information to be shared to allow the prompt development of effective FP measures to mitigate it. Therefore, although the C-UAS forum was initially created for the benefit of the EAG Nations, other international organizations dealing with C-UAS matters (such as JAPCC, NATO ACT and the EDA) will be invited to participate and contribute valuable knowledge to the subject matter, from their perspectives, in order to strengthen the C-UAS network and the development of solutions.

Defence Imagery MOD (Captain Dave Scammell).

21 European Air Group How to Treat Air Forces – the Advanced Aviation Medicine Course

The Advanced Aviation Medicine Course is the only one of its kind for military medical personnel in Europe. It is a successful example of international cooperation in this specialist field, providing training to a wide range of professional medical staff from across the EAG Nations and beyond.

Aviation Medicine (AvMed) is a specialist aspect of which this year will take place for the fourteenth time. medicine that goes hand in hand with many aspects of air Although the main target audience for the Course includes operations and is a vital way in which air forces look after experienced medical professionals from the EAG Nations, their most precious resource: personnel. Following the it now also routinely attracts staff from other partner development of an AvMed Technical Arrangement by the nations. As an example, the 13th Advanced AvMed EAG in 2005, the Advanced AvMed Course has become a Course, which took place in Autumn 2017, included well-established and highly successful training medium, advanced students from across the EAG Nations, as well

Armée de l’air.

22 Annual Review 2018

as Finland, Norway and the USA. Other courses have also included students from Austria, Canada, Greece, Portugal Dates Country Module and Sweden. - Hypoxia Training and Positive 18th Sept UK Pressure Breathing Course Structure - AirMedEvac The objective of the course is to give Senior Medical 25th Sept DEU - Aviation Physiology Officers (SMO) a thorough understanding of the newest - Clinical Aviation Medicine & developments in the field of Aviation Medicine (AvMed) 2th Oct ESP and prepare them for high-level staff duties and developing Policy and Legal Issues and implementing military policy. The course consists of - Space and Operational six one-week modules, each of which takes place at a 9th Oct ITA Medicine different location in the EAG Nations, enabling participants - Biomedevac - Spatial Disorientation & to visit a selection the most advanced AvMed Centres 16th Oct NLD across Europe. This modular structure provides an invaluable Night Vision opportunity to compare different national approaches - Perception, Cognition and discuss issues with experienced lecturers from diverse and Performance backgrounds. During the Course, each student is required - Crew Resource Management in Aeronautics to complete a research project and the Course culminates 23th Oct FRA in a Graduation Ceremony and the award of certificates. - Investigation Methods - As a typical example, the 13th AvMed Course Schedule BEAD Air was as follows: - Fatigue and Operational vigilance

Perhaps the greatest value of the Course is that it brings highly qualified medical personnel from across the allied nations together, in order to share and develop best practises in this specialist subject area. The Course does much more than just generate synergies and exchanges of information: it is also an engine for new ideas and provides assurance that air personnel will be supported by the best standard of AvMed care, regardless of which allied nation they come from and who is treating them.

Ejército del Aire.

23 European Air Group

Jana Neumann (Bundeswehr).

Ejército del Aire.

24 Annual Review 2018 A New Tool in the Bag – Force Integration Training for Fuel Personnel “The line between disorder and order lies in logistics.” – Sun Tzu

During deployed Forward Arming and Refuelling Point (FARP) operations, the process of refuelling of aircraft can rapidly become a multinational activity. In order to harmonize procedures and develop a common level of understanding, the EAG has taken steps to introduce a training syllabus for preparing personnel.

The FARP capability is an important aspect of air mobility a total of twenty-six personnel from the UK, Italy, the logistics and primarily involves deployed operations Netherlands and France deployed to Italy in June 2017 to from temporary locations with helicopters. Following an provide fuel support to the Air Centric Personnel Recovery agreement by the EAG Nations to support the development Operatives Course (APROC) organized by the European of a training syllabus for multinational FARP procedures, Personnel Recovery Centre (EPRC). the EAG Permanent Staff drafted a new Force Integration Training (FIT) syllabus in 2017, in conjunction with national Finalising the Syllabus subject matter experts. The APROC 2017 was based at Rivolto Air Base in Italy and the FARP FIT element was delivered and trialled over a three- Proving the Concept day period by instructors from the France, Netherlands The aims of the FARP FIT are to standardise procedures and the UK, and also Italy as the Lead Nation, under the and provide practical multinational experience for FARP supervision of EAG Permanent Staff. The FIT was part of personnel and flight crews when conducting Hot/Cold the lead-in training for participating personnel prior to refuelling activities. As the FARP FIT Syllabus is intended the main APROC exercise and the event was also used to as a vehicle for preparing personnel for operations, it was gather information for updating and developing the EAG appropriate that an exercise should be used as the test-bed multi-national FARP Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). for developing it and proving the concept. As a result, under The FARP FIT conformed to the EAG Syllabus using the the legal framework of the EAG Fuel Technical Arrangement, following modules:

Contents per module Number of periods Module Module title End term (sub) module Contact periods (*) Theory Practice Modules EAG FARP Force Integration Training (FIT) 1 Introduction Intro Briefing 2 / 2 HN FARP Brief General FARP Briefing 1 / EAG Rapid Refuelling Multinational 3 FARP SOP 3 / FARP SOP 4 Admin & Logs HN Support Briefing 1 / COMMS Briefing 5 Operational Briefs 2 / Marshalling Briefing Equipment and 6 Assets Capability / 3 Other Resources EAG Rapid Refuelling Multinational FARP SOP Review 7 Joint Activity Participating Nations’ Briefs 5 3 Planning FARP Ops HELO Familiarization

25 European Air Group

As a result of the first FIT delivered using the draft Syllabus, the EAG PS is coordinating with the Royal Netherlands Air the lessons learned and feedback from the instructors and Force and the European Personnel Recovery Centre, to personnel involved have now been incorporated in the final enable FARP training to take place in conjunction with the document, which was published at the end of 2017. APROC 2018, which is being held at Gilze-Rijen Air Base in the Netherlands. The Syllabus now provides EAG refuelling Next Steps personnel with a new and useful tool at their disposal, Now that the new FARP Syllabus has been established, the therefore other future exercise opportunities for delivering EAG Permanent Staff are coordinating and promoting its the FARP FIT are being explored, in order to exploit use. The Syllabus can be utilised during suitable exercises the Syllabus and promote better FARP interoperability and other events by qualified staff from the participating throughout the EAG Nations. nations, with the consent of the Lead Nation. This year,

EAG Image Library.

EAG Image Library.

26 Annual Review 2018 New Ideas in the Communications and Information Systems Domain

In order to increase the interoperability between the EAG nations in the rapidly evolving Communications and Information Systems (CIS) domain, the EAG is developing and implementing specific projects that cover the full spectrum of the common CIS needs.

The CIS challenges that the EAG Nations’ Air Forces CIS’, are intended to improve and promote interoperability increasingly face are closely connected to the dynamic and standardisation amongst the EAG Nations, and also and complex nature of operational scenarios and the rapid to function as a test-bed for refining EAG products in a developments in today’s technology. In order to keep ahead multinational environment. Consequently, the organization of changes, the EAG organizes two CIS meetings a year, of a VOLCANEX CIS in 2018 has been proposed and which offer the opportunity to coordinate requirements, endorsed by the EAG Nations. Italy is hosting the 2018 develop existing projects and evaluate them. exercise, by incorporating the EAG element into the national CIS Exercise ELETTRA, which takes place in June New initiatives at Borgo Piave in Italy. The first EAG CIS meeting of 2017 took place at Evreux Air Base in France and included a liaison visit to the Looking ahead French deployable CIS unit the ‘Escadre Aérienne de In recent years, many individual CIS projects have been Commandement et de Conduite Projetable’ (EAC2P) Unit. developed and successfully implemented, providing the This first meeting was also the occasion to present and EAG Nations with a diverse palette of CIS tactical products – evaluate the ongoing EAG CIS Tactical Platform Project. such as a Site Survey Checklist, a Crypto Equipment This web-based platform is hosted on the EAG Extranet, Interoperability Manual and a CIS Multinational Helpdesk to which access is carefully controlled, and links all EAG CIS Manual. Looking ahead, in today’s exceptionally dynamic products for review, optimisation and updates, and also technological and communications environment, a improves the distribution of CIS information and increases continuous process to update these products will be the coherence of relevant documents. This platform concept essential, if they are to remain relevant and fit for purpose. has recently been extended with additional platforms for The EAG is already making progress in this area, having CIS Infrastructure, and Deployable Communication and recently published a 2017 update of the CIS Equipment Navigation Systems. This development has resulted in a Summary for the German Air Force, and other initiatives comprehensive CIS on-line platform that provides a single are being planned. access point to all EAG CIS products and activities.

During the second CIS Meeting in 2017, which took place at the EAG HQ, national CIS representatives agreed to initiate a series of specific CIS exercises. These exercises, which use the EAG convention and are named ‘VOLCANEX

Andrea Bienert (Bundeswehr). Andrea Bienert (Bundeswehr).

27 European Air Group Cyber – Shaping the New Domain

‘I fear the day that technology will surpass our human interaction. The world will have a generation of idiots.’ – Albert Einstein

Following global media coverage of cyber attacks against The EAG Nations have also proposed to exchange essential government infrastructures, industries, financial information related to cyber attacks and to work to institutions and political election processes on an almost overcome the problem of national classification issues. global scale, the awareness of the vulnerabilities in the Cyber domain has increased sharply at all levels. Air forces Arrival of the 5th Generation are not immune to cyber threats and must therefore protect With the imminent arrival of 5th Generation systems, and secure their defensive systems, avoid vulnerabilities, which have a high demand for IT-connectivity, the future detect and neutralise intrusions, and develop resilience and is forecast to become even more challenging in the Cyber methods of quickly restoring normality. domain. Investigation is already underway into areas such as the integration of cyber as a force enabler within the air Launch of the Cyber Forum operations, the development of offensive and defensive In 2017, the EAG achieved a significant milestone with the cyber capabilities, and the employment of the ‘combat organization of its first Cyber Forum, which was hosted cloud’ concept. Additionally, due to the rapid evolution of by the French Air Force Academy, Salon de Provence, in IT systems, both hardware and software, obsolescence and June. Fruitful discussions took place regarding definitions, vulnerabilities affecting legacy systems will become a key research, education and training, consequently the EAG area of interest in the coming years. has taken on the challenge of introducing cyber events into its ‘VOLCANEX’ Force Protection exercise in 2018, in Next steps order to promote Cyber Awareness and the importance IT systems are being developed to manage ever greater of Cyber Education amongst the participating forces. quantities of data and deliver it across great distances and Members of the EAG Permanent Staff are also developing through more complex networks. The fusion of data and a new web-based platform for compiling documentation development of Artificial Intelligence tools will form part of and any relevant information that can help improve the solution for improving the management of data, refresh interoperability standards. rates, communications and location references, amongst other items. The development of new, fit for purpose New tools for Cyber Awareness systems and processes will also be essential in order to The defensive cyber activities focus on three main deal with new opportunities and threats, and protect categories: C2 Systems, Platforms and Mission Systems, our own systems whilst denying access for hostile forces. and Networks. Carrying out evaluations, such as audits However, although this domain contains serious threats, and exercises, and developing effective cyber awareness it is also a key enabler that needs to be integrated into Air in IT system operators helps in recognizing any failures or Operations, as it provides both offensive and defensive vulnerabilities that may otherwise be missed. To achieve capabilities. By organising forums, exercises, information this, the education and training of personnel in cyber collection and development of a common vision, the EAG procedures should be a high priority, particularly as many is developing new work in the Cyber domain, searching cyber threats can only become effective with the help of for interoperability solutions and strengthening the links human interaction. amongst the EAG Nations and partner organizations.

To address these topics, the EAG Permanent Staff is working with national specialists and other multinational organizations to develop and publish a manual that will provide information about national cyber organizations, exercises, training course opportunities and national specialist profiles. In addition to the manual, the EAG aims to define the ‘Cyberspace’ concept and the implications for Cyber in Air Operations through its Air Cyber Forums.

28 Annual Review 2018

Aeronautica Militare.

Martina Pump (Bundeswehr).

29 European Air Group Exploiting Opportunities – the Advanced Training and Exercises Master Plan

Following a review of procedures, the EAG is now moving forward substantially with the coordination of interoperability training and exercises.

The EAG’s Advanced Training and Exercises Master Training and Exercise Programme (eMTEP) as the central Plan (ATMP) was a concept first initiated in 2001, which information tool. became an EAG project aimed at improving multinational interoperability through the coordination of national and The eMTEP, which is administered by Allied Command multi-national exercises, in order to maximise training Transformation, is modern, versatile and offers significantly benefit and avoid duplication. Importantly, the ATMP more features and greater utility than the previous ATMP emphasis on exercises and training exploits two items format. Significantly, the eMTEP offers an overview of all that are amongst the most effective interoperability tools NATO member exercises, has a search facility for different at the EAG’s disposal. The ATMP provides a focal point for functions, locations and types of exercises and is easily the EAG Air Forces and enables the exercises of the accessible online. The EAG Permanent Staff are now taking participating stakeholders to be reviewed and coordinated steps to ensure that EAG exercises are input directly into in a combined format, which is becoming increasingly the eMTEP, which will then become the common point important for future EAG work across all domains. of reference for identifying, planning and agreeing EAG ATMP stakeholders not only include the EAG Nations, interoperability training and exercises in the future. but also relevant EAG partner organizations, such as NATO AIRCOM, EATC, MCCE, TLP and the EPRC. A new way of working The adoption of the eMTEP means that the ATMP is Finding the right tool being transformed from a passive means of displaying Until recently, the ATMP was managed and coordinated information into an active process, in which activities using a straightforward Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, can be coordinated, deconflicted and synchronized which was developed by the EAG Permanent Staff and with EAG project activities across all domains, including updated on a quarterly basis. This format was effectively a the Combined Air Interoperability Programme. ‘shop window’ that displayed scheduled exercises of the Developments such as this are rarely completed overnight seven EAG Air Forces and other stakeholders, however, and it will take time to build up the necessary database it had distinct limitations and was labour-intensive for some of information, but already there has been an improvement stakeholders. Therefore, during the most recent meeting in the level of interaction concerning multinational exercise of the ATMP Coordination Board in November 2017, the opportunities, which is forecast to increase further in the EAG Nations agreed to adopt NATO’s electronic Military coming years.

Gerben van Es (Royal Netherlands Air Force). Richard Nicholas-Nelson (Armée de l’air).

30 Annual Review 2018 EAG Technical Arrangements, Manuals and Procedures

The EAG produces a variety of documents, procedures and agreements, which contribute to achieving its objective. Amongst these items, Technical Arrangements between nations provide a legal framework for activities such as training, exercises and operations. Manuals and Standard Operating Procedures provide tactical and operational information for specific subject areas. These products support multinational operations amongst the EAG Nations and fill information gaps that are not addressed by other organisations or arrangements. When appropriate and by agreement, many documents originated by the EAG have subsequently been transferred to or absorbed by other organisations. New documents are being produced all the time, but the list below provides a cross-section of those currently administered by the EAG across a spectrum of air power activities.

Technical Arrangements Description Enables aircrew to obtain air-to-air refuelling qualifications Air-to-Air Refuelling (AAR) (FRA, GBR) Air Defence Training (Eurofight) Flying training framework for Air Defence (all EAG Nations)

Air Force Activities – Aviation Medicine (AVMED) Framework for Av Med cooperation (all EAG Nations)

Alternate Airfield Functions for Fast Jet Aircraft Framework for mutual use of alternate airfields (BEL, DEU, FRA, NLD) Autonomous Air Combat Manoeuvring Framework for AACMI training activities (all EAG Nations) Instrumentation Combined Air Terminal Operations (CATO) Framework for deployed operations (all EAG Nations)

Deployable Multi-National Air Wing (DMAW) Framework for deployed operations (all EAG Nations) EAG Fuel Projects, Training and Framework for fuel cross-training + deployments (BEL, DEU, FRA, GBR, Exchange of Personnel ITA, NLD) European Personnel Recover Centre (EPRC) Framework of arrangements to establish the EPRC (all EAG Nations) Framework for standardising cargo load clearances and processes (BEL, Interoperable Load Clearance Activities (ILCC) DEU, ESP, GBR, ITA, NLD)

Mutual Support through Exchange of Services – Mechanism for mutual exchange of Av Med services and training Aviation Medicine High Cost Equipment (HCE) (all EAG Nations)

Framework enabling short notice flying training activities (BEL, Short Notice Detachments (SHORDET) FRA, GBR) Survive to Operate (Force Protection) (STOX) Framework for force protection training (all EAG Nations plus Norway)

Twinning: RAF Regiment and Commandement des Mutual agreement to improve interoperability (FRA, GBR) Fusiliers Commandos de L’Air

Manuals and Standard Operating Procedures

Air Movement Project – CATO SOP (under discussion) Ground to Ground Radio Manual

Aviation Medicine SME Database IP Crypto Keys Generation Process in MN Environment (Manual)

CIS Equipment Summary Manual Multinational CIS Helpdesk Manual

CIS Site Survey Checklist Multinational Logistic Centre SOP

Crypto Equipment Interoperability Manual SATCOM Manual

Eurovox Phone Book and Dialling Matrix Video Teleconferencing Manual

31 European Air Group

Adjutant Bart Rosselle (COMOPSAIR).

32