The ETAP-C 25-04 exercise, dedicated to advanced training in the tactical air transport sector, was organised by the European Tactical Airlift Centre (ETAC), in collaboration with Portuguese Air Force. The event took place from 17th to 31st October at the Beja Air Base in Portugal.
The Italian Air Force took part in the exercise with a C-130J aircraft, a full crew and technical-logistical personnel belonging to the 46th Air Brigade of Pisa, as well as with the Air Riflemen of the 16th Wing of Martina Franca (TA).
The aim of the ETAP-C course is to enhance the tactical competencies of crews, with a particular emphasis on interoperability and operational readiness. Edition 25-04 was attended by seven aircraft from as many nations: Portugal with a C-130E and an Embraer KC-390, Italy with a C-130J, Belgium in cooperation with Luxembourg with an A400, Germany with an A400M, France with a C-235 and Poland with a C-130H. Overall, approximately 400 military personnel were involved, including flight crews, technical staff, instructors and parachutists.
The Air Force Riflemen of the 16th Wing carried out AMP activities (Air Mobility Protection), ensuring the safety of crews and aircraft during ground operations, in all operating conditions.
The “Folgore” Parachute Brigade contributed personnel from the Air Supply Company, qualified as air dispatchers, and static-line jumpmasters, supporting the 46th Air Brigade in personnel and light load airdrop operations.
Particular attention has been devoted to the use of Standard Airdrop Training Bundle (SATB), used to simulate the airdrop of different types of load.
The ETAP-C represents a fundamental benchmark for European military air transport, proposing complex scenarios (high threat environment), tactical manoeuvres, threat reactions which include material handling, tactical manoeuvres and operational simulations. The course aims to provide aircrews with comprehensive training designed to broaden their ability to operate in hostile environments and to strengthen interoperability between the air forces participating in the EATC (European Air Transport Command).
In particular, the module “Single-Ship Day”, which is divided into nine missions of increasing difficulty and developed by EATC instructors, allowed the participants to refining the techniques for planning and conducting transport aircraft operations in complex tactical environments.
The ETAC Centre, based in Zaragoza (Spain), was established in 2017 thanks to the cooperation of thirteen European nations, including Italy. Its mission consists in managing training programmes aimed at standardising and harmonising the operational capabilities of crews employed in tactical transport.
