This week an important milestone was achieved, with the approval of EATC Concept of Operations (CONOPS) by the seven EATC member nations.
Through this document, the seven nations agreed on how EATC can provide its best support during day-to-day air mobility operations, but also during the so-called crisis response operations. The evacuation from Kabul (Afghanistan) in 2021, the ongoing support to NATO and EU in the context of the war in Ukraine, the support to the earthquake disaster relief in Turkey and Syria and the evacuation from Sudan in 2023 have again underlined the importance of military air mobility capabilities in such scenarios. Although conducted under national responsibility, the engagement of EATC and its multinational approach clearly added value to the effective and efficient execution of these operations.
“This document gives a clear view on EATCs potential role during the different phases, from planning to execution, of operating air mobility assets, during peacetime operations and for the first time also in support of crisis Response operations”- stated Major General Schick, EATC Commander, - “When required, EATC will be able to adapt its way of operation from ‘routine’ to ‘crisis tailored’, within own means and capabilities.”
In practical terms, procedures used, processes applied and various tools available that can be used to support nations during crisis operations are for the first time described in an EATC CONOPS. Amongst others, the potential measures include an adapted OPS cycle, the establishment of planning and decision boards, the development of support plans and the provision of liaison teams with reach-back capability, being deployed upon request to headquarters or into hubs nearby the crisis area.
“EATC is proud to support our nations during crisis scenarios by managing required air mobility capabilities and offering multinational solutions to national challenges.” The conclusion of Major General Schick.