The first edition for 2025 of the course dedicated to European tactical air transport, named , took place in Zaragoza, Spain, from 2 to 15 March ETAP-C (European Tactical Airlift Programme – Course), to whom the’Italian Air Force participated with a C-130J aircraft of the 46th Air Brigade of Pisa together with teams from 16th Wing of Martina Franca and from Grosseto Dog Centre.
Among the other air components present, also the A400M aircraft supplied to the Germany and to France, C-295 and A400M operated by Spain, and C-130J operated by the Norway.
The course ETAP-C 2025-1 it aims to strengthen the bond between the participating nations in the field of tactical air transport, promoting a unified approach to military air operations and a joint effort for the security and defence of European nations.
During the training event, air-landing missions and evasive manoeuvres were simulated, which are essential to prepare crews to respond to surface-to-air and air-to-air threats, thanks also to the support of specialised units, completing the non-permissive tactical scenario, and thereby increasing survivability and operational effectiveness.
The ETAP training programme, which focuses on common techniques and tactics for dealing with training scenarios of increasing difficulty, is essential to ensure that crews are ready to operate in real and potentially hostile contexts, by standardising and harmonising the military capabilities of tactical transport asset crews.
Saragossa Air Base, with its areas dedicated to low-flying operations, provides an ideal setting for this type of exercise, allowing crews to practise complex manoeuvres safely. This year's edition involved around 160 personnel, including flight crews, maintenance and support staff.
