A small delegation from the European Air Transport Command (EATC), composed by Major General Franck Mollard, Commander EATC, and Dr. Alexandre Verlaine, Head of Public Affairs, attended the Distinguished Visitors (DV) Day of the European Tactical Airlift Programme Course (ETAP-C) 25-1. The event took place at Zaragoza Air Base, Spain, and was delivered by the European Tactical Airlift Centre (ETAC) with the support of EATC.
ETAP-C plays a pivotal role in advancing tactical airlift capabilities and fostering interoperability among European air forces operating in high-threat environments. The course serves as a crucial link between transport and fighter communities, enriching the knowledge and expertise of aircrews facing complex operational scenarios.
Colonel Carlos Herráiz, Commander of ETAC, underscored the significance of this training: "The course gives great value to the nations. While many training elements could be simulated, real training experiences offer irreplaceable benefits, particularly in improving the decision-making process."
During the DV Day, the visitors had the opportunity to observe the final assessment of the two-week course, a tactical evacuation mission under highly challenging conditions. The mission included simulated threats from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), electronic warfare, air-to-air and surface-to-air threats, as well as ad-hoc boarding of Special Forces and military vehicles. Additionally, the delegation visited the A400M simulator used by the Spanish Air and Space Force’s 31st Wing, an advanced training tool that enhances the operational readiness of transport crews.
The DV Day concluded with a graduation ceremony, where participants were awarded their certifications, marking the successful completion of the rigorous training.
The dedication demonstrated by the Spanish Air and Space Force as the host nation, along with the five participating nations—France, Germany, Spain, Norway, and Italy—was truly commendable. Their collective efforts reflect a strong commitment to operational excellence and multinational cooperation in European air mobility.
Overall, this visit reinforced the strong partnership between EATC and ETAC, highlighting their shared commitment to advancing air transport capabilities and infrastructure resilience. By actively engaging with stakeholders at the DV Day, the delegation contributed to strengthening multinational ties and laid the groundwork for future training initiatives, ensuring Europe’s strategic airlift capabilities remain agile and responsive to evolving challenges.