The European Air Transport Command (EATC) showcased its capabilities and commitment to multinational defence collaboration during the NATO-led 2024 Steadfast Duel (STDU24) exercise, held from October 21 to 30, 2024. This exercise brought together NATO command and force structures to train in executing multi-domain, multi-speed, and multi-scale operations against a peer-adversary.
A Platform for Multinational Coordination
STDU24 provided a realistic operational environment where theatre and tactical components could test their coordination, processes, and responses. Scenarios unfolded across three Joint Operation Centres in Europe, incorporating intra- and inter-theatre logistical air transport and aeromedical evacuation missions. Participants tackled logistical and operational challenges, including simulated air and ground threats.
EATC joined the exercise with five officers from its Operations Division, Functional Division, and Policy & Support Division. The team deployed personnel to Ramstein, Germany, and Poggio Renatico, Italy, from October 21 to 26, embedding themselves fully within the STDU24 scenario.
EATC Objectives and Focus Areas
During STDU24, EATC pursued several key objectives:
- Mission Support: Planning, tasking, and executing missions to support member nations and NATO.
- Integration of ATMO and ATO Products: Synchronizing air transport mission orders (ATMO) and air tasking orders (ATO) throughout air transport and aeromedical evacuation processes.
- Capacity and Slot Management: Coordinating with stakeholders to optimize allocation.
- Threat Monitoring: Identifying and mitigating simulated air and ground threats to mission execution.
- Interoperability Mechanisms: Establishing and adhering to a technical arrangement governing collaboration between NATO and EATC.
- Process Development: Creating mechanisms to enhance interoperability, efficiency, and synergy between NATO and EATC.
Progress Through Collaboration
The exercise began with two days of academic briefings and team integration, setting the stage for scenario-based testing of EATC’s Command and Control integration into NATO processes. The scenarios focused on interactions with NATO's management systems, addressing challenges like airlift tasking, cargo management, and flight preparation.
During the exercise, the EATC team documented and validated new procedures, laying the groundwork for enhanced collaboration. This process demonstrated the feasibility of integrating EATC into NATO’s air transport planning and tasking processes.
Key Takeaways
- Synergized Operations: The collaboration between EATC and NATO liaison officers proved effective, enabling efficient use of assets.
- Communication Channels: Three distinct lines of communication for managing air transport requests, cargo operations, and flight coordination were successfully identified and tested.
- Establishing Workable Processes: While not all scenarios were executed, EATC achieved a solid framework that allows its liaison officers to perform required tasks effectively.
Looking Ahead
STDU24 reinforced EATC’s role as a vital partner to NATO, demonstrating its ability to adapt and integrate within NATO’s complex operational environment. The lessons learned from this exercise will not only enhance interoperability but also contribute to the ongoing refinement of procedures and synergies between EATC and NATO.
Through participation in STDU24, EATC has once again affirmed its commitment to fostering multinational defence cooperation and readiness, ensuring robust support for its member nations and NATO in addressing future challenges.