The Tactical Air Detachment Paznic integrates German armament on a Spanish Eurofighter

•  This milestone demonstrates the interoperability and operational flexibility of Allied air forces

Personnel from the Armament Section of the Tactical Air Detachment  (TAD) Paznic have successfully carried out the integration of German armament on a Spanish Eurofighter aircraft within the framework of NATO’s enhanced Air Policing mission (eAP-70).

The goal of this activity is to operate under the Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concept, demonstrating the interoperability and operational flexibility of Allied forces.

On this occasion, a combined team composed of Spanish personnel from Wing 14 and members of the German Air Force’s 71 Tactical Air Wing conducted the integration. This has enabled common procedures to be validated and joint working capabilities in expeditionary scenarios to be strengthened.

This marks the second time this operational milestone has been achieved, following the experience developed by the same air units during the Baltic Air Policing (BAP) mission in Estonia in 2022. On this occasion, however, a significant step forward has been taken through the successful integration of next-generation METEOR missiles.

The Agile Combat Employment concept is based on five general principles: agility, interoperability, survivability, continuity of air operations and operational readiness. It reduces dependence on large permanent bases and enhances responsiveness to complex threats. In this context, the ability of a Spanish Eurofighter to operate with armament supplied by an Allied nation represents a significant advance in terms of interoperability.

During the process, Spanish specialists conducted the necessary technical inspections and testing to ensure the full integration of the armament into the aircraft systems, guaranteeing compliance with safety standards and operational effectiveness at all times.

According to Sub-Lieutenant Ferreras, Head of the Armament Section, “Working jointly with German personnel and equipment reinforces our commitment to collective defence and full integration within the Alliance. It also demonstrates, once again, the readiness and versatility of both the Eurofighter and its technical personnel in demanding environments.”

DAT Paznic: Spain’s commitment to NATO Air Defence

TAD Paznic mission is to contribute to NATO’s deterrence and defence on the Eastern Flank through airspace surveillance under enhanced Air Policing (eAP), as part of NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD). It is part of Operation Persistent Effort, which also includes TAD “Vilkas” in Lithuania, deploying eleven EF-18M Hornet fighters aircraft from Wing 15 (Zaragoza) and one TK23 A400M from Wing 31 (Zaragoza); TAD Tigru, operating the AN/TPS-43M air surveillance radar, also deployed in Romania; and the NASAMS Air Defence Units in Latvia as well as PATRIOT units in Türkiye.