Closing of the ETAP-C 24-4 Course: A Success in European Military Cooperation

After three weeks of intense activity at Zaragoza Air Base, the ETAP-C 24-4 course has been concluded. ETAP-C is an advanced aero-tactical training course that brought together over 150 military personnel from various parts of Europe, with notable active participation from aircraft and personnel from Belgium, Luxembourg, Spain, France, Italy, Portugal, the Czech Republic, and Romania. Additionally, personnel from Austria and Germany collaborated, further enhancing the course’s international and multinational character.

The course was coordinated by ETAC, with support from personnel from the Zaragoza Air Base, 721 Squadron of the EMP, MAGEN Nursery in Zaragoza, 11^st Wing, 12^nd Wing, 14^th Wing, 15^th Wing, GRUCEMAC, GRUNOMAC, ACAR El Prat, Cuatro Vientos Air Base, and CECAF.

For the first time, under the coordination of the Chief of the Bardenas Shooting Range, the Spanish Army’s Logistics Support Command carried out a program to recover the unpaved runway at the Ablitas Military Airport, simultaneously with air operations. This enabled the runway to remain in optimal condition throughout the course, minimizing the impact of these operations on the aircraft.

To support the mission environment, valuable participation was provided by paratrooper units from the 4^th RIPAC of the BRIPAC, EZAPAC, and EADA, who contributed significantly to developing a realistic and challenging training environment.

As a highlight of the course, a large-scale mission was conducted, applying advanced planning techniques for a COMAO (Composite Air Operations), involving F-18 and Eurofighter aircraft, with unprecedented support from a French Air Force AWACS E-3F, which participated in such a mission for the first time since the program’s inception.

At the end of the course, diplomas, patches, and “coins” were awarded to the participants who successfully completed the course. As “ETAP-C GRADUATES,” they are now part of an international network of highly trained professionals ready to tackle the challenges of aerospace and joint defense.

This course is part of the ongoing commitment of ETAC and the Spanish Air Force to excellence in training and the creation of international collaborative networks in the defense sector. ETAC is already working on future editions of the ETAP-C course, which will continue promoting interoperability and cooperation among European air forces.