In the air superiority domain, the focus is on Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems - RPAS (integration of military RPAS in non-segregated airspace in the context of the Single European Sky, development of synergies among Member States operating large military RPAS, support to the development of a European medium-altitude long endurance - MALE RPAS) as well as on Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) aspect.
The Agency is also very active in facilitating cooperation on Air-to-Air Refuelling (AAR) which is a force multiplier and critical enabler for the projection of air power. AAR tanker and receiver assets from various coalition partners must be fully interoperable to complete their mission together – hence the close cooperation with NATO.
Air mobility is also a critical capability as it guarantees deployment and sustainability of EU-forces worldwide. It covers a wide range of tasks such as strategic long-range outsized cargo transport, intra-theatre logistics, special operations, and medical evacuation, and provides access to theatres in all geographic conditions, from the first instance crisis response to enduring peace stabilisation.
EDA helps Member States to alleviate specific strategic and tactical shortfalls. For instance, under the umbrella of the European Air Transport Fleet (EATF) programme, a tactical airlift training programme was developed to improve interoperability and to offer advance tactical training opportunities with the objective of improving operational capability and availability of crews and aircraft. The objective is to achieve European autonomy for this capability, in close complementarity with NATO activities.