Several nations participated in TLP, including: Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Italy, Denmark, Greece and the United States, along with several types of aircraft.
By providing an environment that encourages the discussion and development of multi-national tactics, participants find the best way to employ the differing aircraft capabilities of the multi-national forces in Composite Air Operations (COMAO).
"The intent of the course is to train young pilots to become a mission commander," said Major (OF-3) Patricia Allemeersch, Evaluator Tactical Director. "Different scenarios are flown and we gain experience in integration with other C2, ISR platforms and ground units."
The NATO E-3A AWACS contributed to the TLP Flying Course by improving the tactical leadership skills and flying capabilities of mission Commanders, and tactical interoperability of NATO Air Forces. The course was an opportunity to learn to work as a cohesive team in an international environment and to develop basic leadership skills. Team members were exposed to tactics and capabilities of other Air Forces and battle management systems.
A NATO E-3A AWACS on the flightline in Albacete Airfield in Spain.
"The NATO AWACS has a long history of supporting TLP. This programme provides a unique, robust and high value training opportunity to our international combat ready crews. The advanced Command and Control (C2) capabilities of the E-3A will greatly enhance the multi-domain, and integration of assets, technologies and Capabilities during TLP," said Major General Thomas Kunkel, Force Commander.
According to Major Allemeersch, the Component benefitted from this course because it was an opportunity to control daily COMOAs and work with all different nations and platforms. The course gave operators experience as local flights don't normally provide the chance to work with several different platforms and any given time.
A NATO E-3A AWACS is prepped in order to support the Tactical Leadership Programme Flying Course in Albacete Airfield in Spain.