AIRCRAFT ENGINEERS from No 29 Squadron at Royal Air Force Coningsby in Lincolnshire deployed to Spain for the 2024 NATO Tactical Leadership Programme.
The Tactical Leadership Programme (TLP) is all about interoperability; the ability of military equipment or groups to work in conjunction with each other. For the first time, Engineers from the RAF and Italian Air Force serviced and maintained each other’s Typhoons and F-35B Lightning aircraft.
With 850 personnel from eight NATO countries, the TLP is a serious test of how Air Forces from partner nations can operate together. No 29 Squadron were front and centre, sending eight Typhoon and crews.
Wing Commander Andy Shaw, Officer Commanding No 29 Squadron, said:
“The TLP offers the most immersive experience and opportunity for our crews to develop their leadership in a live flying scenario. Working so closely with other NATO nations makes the training so valuable and demonstrates the extent of our capabilities.”
Allowing Engineers to work on partner nation’s aircraft is part of a wider Agile Combat Employment project to enhance how NATO countries work together. The aim is to improve response times, reach and agility across the globe.
Leading this vital work has been Air Vice-Marshal Shaun Harris, Director Support and Chief Engineer. He said:
“The ability to interoperate on the ground, cross-servicing aircraft between NATO partners, enhances the agility and speed of response of our Combat Air forces. We are delighted to be working so closely with our Italian partners on Typhoon and F-35 interoperability.”
