The European Tactical Airlift Centre (ETAC) leads the first two courses in 2025, the ETAP-C 25-1, which will integrate both a daytime and a nighttime operation into a single project, along with a module to train tactical loadmasters.

From February 26 to March 14, 2025, Zaragoza Air Base will host the ETAP-C 25-1. These two courses will provide aircrews with the essential skills to conduct tactical flight missions in hostile, realistic, and challenging environments. They will also significantly contribute to improving interoperability between European Air Forces within the framework of multinational cooperation in Tactical Airlift.

This edition will involve aircrews and aircraft from Germany, Spain, France, Italy, and Norway. Additionally, Belgium, Lithuania, and Poland will contribute staff support to the organization. A crew from Sweden and personnel from Airbus Military will also be present as observers. A total of 240 participants are expected in this project.

Throughout the course, the aircrews will operate with 9 aircraft, including the A400M, C130J, and C295, which will help them gain experience in joint operations across different platform types. The course will have significant participation and support from the European Air Transport Command (EATC) in the areas of training supervision and intelligence.

The Spanish units supporting and making this project possible from Zaragoza will include: Zaragoza Air Base (ABAZ), Wing 15, Wing 31, Northern Air Command and Control Group (GRUNOMAC), the School of Security, Defense, and Support Techniques (ETESDA), the Air and Space Deployment Support Squadron (EADA), the MAGEN-Zaragoza Medical Center, and CENAD San Gregorio.

Additionally, external support will come from the 721 Squadron and EZAPAC from Murcia, Wing 37 from Valladolid, Wing 46 from Gando, and Wing 35 from Getafe, which will also participate with one of its aircraft in both courses. The ACAR Groupings from El Prat and Torrejón, as well as the Paratrooper Brigade of the Army (BRIPAC), will also participate. Additionally, the Ablitas Military Airfield and the Bardenas shooting range will play a key role.

On the civilian side, support and collaboration in the use of airports, airfields, and drop zones will come from Teruel Airport, Huesca-Pirineos Airport, Santa Cilia-Jaca Airfield, Soria-Garray Airfield, Lumbier Airfield, Torremocha Jiloca Airfield, as well as the municipalities of Cucalón, Caudé de Garray, Buitrago, Los Villares, Fuentelsaz, Ablitas, and the flight schools of Burgos and Salamanca.

All these entities are the generous architects of the program’s success, and by working together, they contribute to strengthening the operational capabilities of tactical crews, promoting cooperation between the air forces of Europe.

ETAC continues to establish itself as a center of reference for advanced Tactical Airlift Training in Europe, providing participating nations with a platform of excellence in advanced instruction and interoperability.