The 2024 European Air Refueling Training (EART), held from 08 to 17 July 2024, was conducted as part of the larger Pacific Skies deployment and in parallel with the Large Force Exercise Arctic Defender (AD) 24. The event proved to be an undeniable success! Despite its inherently challenging nature—requiring cooperation between multinational crews operating various tankers (including the A330 MRTT, A400M, and CC-130T) and fighter jets (such as the Tornado, Typhoon, Rafale, F-16, F-18, F-22, and F-35)—EART 24 provided a unique platform for advanced battle training under highly realistic conditions.
Colonel Edwin Altena, Head of the Functional Division at the European Air Transport Command (EATC), emphasized that EART 24 was a learning experience for all participating units and personnel. Even though the fast-paced battle rhythm placed high demands on both manpower and material, it granted allied nations an invaluable opportunity to enhance air mobility interoperability from different perspectives, including exposure to novel threat scenarios.
One major achievement was the progress made in Cross Maintenance for the A400M, which has now reached a mature level, allowing the focus to shift toward the A330 MRTT. The goal is to fully integrate the MRTT maintenance process into the latest version of EXOM before the start of EART 2025, paving the way for even greater operational efficiency.
Organizationally, EATC identified several key lessons learned from EART 24, which will be integrated into future processes to bolster the organization’s efficiency and effectiveness. These insights cover a wide range of topics, such as addressing the challenges posed by limited flight crews and planning personnel, strengthening ties between liaison officers, enhancing communication channels, and improving the interconnection of multinational Command, Control, and Information Systems (CIS) equipment.
Since its inception in 2010, EATC has placed strong emphasis on continuous improvement, fostering a learning culture that values adaptability and growth. EART 24 was no exception, offering an innovative, interactive e-learning component that enabled flying crews to prepare for their missions with tailored online courses. This forward-thinking approach not only optimized training readiness but also contributed to a more seamless integration of personnel from different nations and backgrounds.
In conclusion, EART 24 not only advanced key operational goals but also reinforced the importance of collaboration, adaptability, and continuous learning—principles that remain at the heart of EATC’s mission as it looks ahead to future challenges and opportunities.