On 23 January 2025, the European Air Transport Command (EATC) had the pleasure of hosting Mr. Joachim Sucker, Director of the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR), and Major General André Denk, Deputy Chief Executive of the European Defence Agency (EDA), at its headquarters in Eindhoven. This high-level trilateral visit provided a valuable platform for discussing the core tasks and priorities of these three key European defence entities, highlighting synergies and exploring avenues for future cooperation.
Enhancing Operational Efficiency
The discussions centred on fostering collaboration to enhance operational efficiency and strengthen European defence capabilities. A central focus was the cost-effective and efficient management of the A400M programme in its final phase. As one of the most complex programmes managed by OCCAR, ensuring smooth cross-service maintenance and optimal fleet utilisation remains a shared priority.
The A400M is the flagship of the EATC fleet and comprises nearly half of its aircraft. EATC's commitment to this platform is most evident in the Lighthouse Project, initiated in March 2021, which enhances interoperability among European A400M operators—France, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Spain, with the UK as an observer. This project enables integrated multinational detachments, reinforcing operational cohesion. Additionally, the EATC Cross-Maintenance Operational Manual (EXOM), first released in 2019 and regularly updated since, streamlines maintenance processes by facilitating the cross-exchange of technicians, certified staff, and spare parts, thus improving efficiency and sustainability.
Adapting to a Changing Security Landscape
Another key topic of discussion was the evolving security environment and the necessary adaptations it demands. The Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 marked a turning point, fundamentally reshaping the security priorities of Western nations. Simultaneously, rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific, driven by China’s growing assertiveness, have further complicated the strategic landscape.
As a result, EATC’s operational focus has shifted from engagements in the Middle East and North Africa to the Eastern Flank and the Indo-Pacific. For EDA, as a facilitator platform, priority lies in assisting EU member states in meeting their NATO Defence Planning Process (NDPP) targets and developing critical defence capabilities. Instruments such as the European Defence Fund and the Capability Development Plan serve as crucial enablers, fostering innovation and strengthening Europe’s collective security and defence posture. For OCCAR, the changing threat landscape has significantly expanded both the scale and complexity of defence acquisition projects. This transformation is driven by the integration of disruptive technologies, such as artificial intelligence, and the direct application of battlefield lessons from Ukraine, particularly in areas like drone warfare, electronic warfare, and resilient logistics.
A Shared Commitment to European Defence
All in all, this trilateral visit reinforced the strong ties between EATC, OCCAR, and EDA, as well as their shared commitment to advancing interoperability and joint efforts in support of Europe’s strategic objectives. Through continued collaboration, these organisations enhance efficiency, strengthen defence capabilities, and ensure Europe remains prepared to address future security challenges.