From 17 to 31 October 2025, Lanzarote Air Base in Spain hosted the 11th European Air Refuelling Training (EART), conducted in parallel with Ocean Sky 2025. The exercise brought together air forces from Europe, the United States, and India to enhance interoperability, refine air-to-air refuelling (AAR) procedures, and strengthen multinational readiness.
Multinational Participation
EART 2025 featured a broad mix of tanker and receiver aircraft. Tanker support was provided by French and MMU A330 MRTTs, the Italian KC-767A, and the Spanish A400M. Receiver aircraft included Eurofighter Typhoons from Germany and Spain, U.S. F-15Cs, Spanish EF-18s, F-16s from Greece and Portugal, and Indian Su-30s. This diverse fleet enabled aircrews to practice a wide range of refuelling profiles and harmonize national procedures within a shared operational setting.
High-Tempo Operations
The exercise unfolded over a demanding two-week period in a designated 200-by-200-nautical-mile airspace south of Lanzarote. This training area, extending from 2,000 feet above mean sea level to unlimited altitude, provided a realistic environment for both high- and low-altitude refuelling scenarios. Throughout the exercise, crews maintained a sustained operational rhythm, flying 58 tanker sorties—around two per day—and generating close to 200 flight hours.
The expansive airspace enabled multi-tanker formations, rapid sequencing of receiver aircraft, and the protection of high-value airborne assets, all essential for contemporary air operations. Refuelling activities were closely integrated with Ocean Sky fighter missions, adding complexity and enhancing realism. By the end of the exercise, the multinational tanker force had offloaded more than 791 tons of fuel—significantly exceeding the 600 tons initially planned—demonstrating the efficiency and coordination of the combined team.
Advanced Training Elements
EART 2025 also served as a platform for modernized training concepts. Crews practiced low-emission AAR procedures, managed scenarios involving degraded visual or communication conditions, and refined multi-tanker sequencing, quick-flow operations, and high-value asset protection. Standardized e-learning modules ensured that all participants entered the exercise with a common understanding of procedures, enabling smoother execution and greater alignment in the air.
Cross-National Maintenance Progress
A major milestone this year was the advancement of the A330 MRTT Cross-Maintenance (XM) concept under the Lighthouse Project. Supported by EATC’s Technical and Logistical Directorate (TECLOG), France and the Multinational MRTT Unit were able to exchange maintenance personnel following the approval of a legal waiver just before the exercise. This enabled full integration of technicians into each other’s maintenance organisations from day one.
Working shoulder to shoulder, Franco–MMU teams quickly formed a highly effective partnership, tackling maintenance tasks together with precision and a strong sense of shared purpose. Even after MMU aircraft redeployed, two MMU technicians remained in Lanzarote to continue supporting the French detachment, underscoring the strength of the collaborative approach. Their achievements reflected the growing maturity of the XM concept and its potential for deeper integration across the MRTT community.
A Model for Future Cooperation
EART 2025 set a clear benchmark for multinational AAR training. Its high operational tempo, well-coordinated tanker operations, and progress in cross-national maintenance demonstrated the value of shared expertise and aligned procedures. Building on this momentum, EATC will continue refining XM processes, expanding multinational interoperability, and exploring opportunities such as integrating XM training into future exercises and incorporating MRTT technicians into the EATC Technician Exchange Program.