The 4th European Air-to-Air Refuelling Training (EART 2017) exercise is currently underway at Eindhoven Airbase until 7 April. Four European nations (Germany, the Netherlands, Italy and France) have been training together since March 26 concurrently with the multinational Frisian Flag fighter training exercise.
EART 2017 specifically aims to train tanker crews in AAR operations within a realistic and multinational framework. In combination with the Frisian Flag exercise, EART 2017 represents a unique opportunity for specific training for air crews, planners, taskers and engineers in planning and executing missions in a complex COMAO (composite air operation) environment.
During the training exercise, crews will have the opportunity to increase their know-how in complex multinational scenarios. Furthermore crews can enhance their knowledge of multinational tanker aircraft and exchange information and procedures. EART 2017 is part of an approach that puts a premium on joint training exercises and increased standardisation to enhance overall effectiveness and interoperability of forces.
EART 2017 Press Day
A Press Day for EART 2017 was held on March 29th. It was attended by Member State’s representatives, exercise partners and the media. The event provided an opportunity to witness at first hand the latest developments in joint European AAR training.
Speaking at the Press Day of EART 2017, EDA Director for Capability, Armament & Technology, Mr. Peter Round commented: “AAR is one of the four key projects in which EDA and its Member States has identified a capability gap. We are working hard to overcome the shortfall in Europe in the AAR domain and this exercise is very important building block in that process. Training and standardisation leads to increasing interoperability and thus to a more efficient capability and force enabler in the sky.”
Why AAR Matters
AAR is an area with Europe faces critical capability shortfalls, highlighted by operations in Mali, Libya and Kosovo. With AAR, pilots can extend the radius of their planes and flight time, and more complex missions can be performed. Moreover, the planes do not need to return to their base to refuel between missions.
Background
The EART concept was introduced in 2014 following EDA’s air-to-air refuelling (AAR) initiative, and is run by European Air Transport Command (EATC) from Eindhoven airbase. It is a dedicated AAR training for tanker and crews to become familiar with scenarios they are not regularly exposed to, maintain proficiency and enhance knowledge of multinational tanker aircraft. The exercise is supported by the Host nation (the Netherlands), MCCE and EDA. EART is organised on a yearly basis and is pooled with the multinational Frisian Flag fighter exercise that operates from Leeuwarden Airbase.
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