Component Integration Challenges presented by Advanced Layered Defence Systems (A2/AD)
Air Transport
Air-to-Air Refuelling
Rotorcraft Operations
Space Support to Operations
Recent Updates
New Publication Release: JAPCC Journal Edition 25
26 March 2018. The JAPCC Journal is one of the principal tools we use to fulfill our mission and it is my great pleasure to present the 25th edition. In the opening article JAPCC Director, General Tod Wolters shares his thoughts about the sustainment of the Alliance’s military power through an integrated joint warfighting capability in which a robust and credible air and space force will remain an important pillar. More
Save the Date: JAPCC Air & Space Power Conference 2018
22 March 2018. It is our pleasure to announce our annual JAPCC Air and Space Power Conference. It will be held from 9-11 October 2018 at the Messe Essen Congress Centre, Essen, Germany. More
New Publication Release: Think-Piece on Force Protection Command and Control (FPC2)
19 February 2018. Given the strategic nature of airbases and the vulnerability of most, if not all of the assets grouped on them, it is apparent that the methods of protecting them will have to become much better. As a key component, this process will require dedicated, air-minded Force Protection (FP) forces that are specifically trained and organised for the task. More
JAPCC Air & Space Power Conference Concluded
12 October 2017. The Joint Air Power Competence Centre (JAPCC) hosted its annual Joint Air and Space Power Conference, held in Essen, Germany, with a multinational team of distinguished speakers and panellists. The audience was formed of more than 300 people including 68 Flag Officers along with members of Academia, politicians and industries. There were 27 NATO and Partner nations represented. More
In the Spotlight
Joint Air Power Following the 2016 Warsaw Summit – Urgent Priorities
‘The study shows the crucial importance of NATO Joint Air Power for Deterrence and Defence. Precisely and without any sugar-coating it shows present shortfalls and future requirements. Of special importance are Hybrid Air Threats and Alliance and Partnership cooperation and capability and competency development with immediate attention to enhancing cooperation in the operation domain.’
Volker Rühe, former German Minister of Defence (1992–1998)
‘NATO is currently developing a new Airpower strategy to meet the formidable challenges facing the Alliance in the 21st Century. This important volume will provide vital input for that new NATO strategy. This study recommends multiple ways to improve NATO airpower to strengthen both deterrence and defense of Alliance territory. A must read for all those interested in NATO affairs.’
Admiral (ret.) James Stavridis, former Supreme Allied Commander Europe (2009–2013)
‘NATO’s 2016 Warsaw Summit took important steps to strengthen the Alliance’s deterrence posture against an aggressive Russia. This study highlights the critical role of air power to the credibility of deterrence. It offers timely recommendations on the capabilities and robust command-and-control arrangements needed to ensure NATO air supremacy in the 21st century.’
Alexander Vershbow, former NATO Deputy Secretary General (2012–2016)
‘In light of the fiscal balance challenges present across the alliance, we must both maximize the interoperability of our people and systems, as well as the integration across the priorities highlighted in this study. As we develop new capabilities to address future challenges, this paper will inform member nations and contribute to the discussions in shaping the refreshed Joint Air Power Strategy.’
David L. Goldfein, General US AF, Chief of Staff
‘Today’s security situation challenges the air forces across the entire spectrum of their capabilities. Well-equipped, adjustable and interoperable air forces with their particular range, precision and flexibility provide credible first choice options to response to rapidly developing security challenges wherever they may occur. This paper marks an important step into a new age of Air Power: With this study we have a plan, a vision and a way forward to tackle the challenges of this century as a united NATO air force.’
Karl Müllner, Lieutenant General, Chief of German Air Force
‘This paper provides an overdue and clear contemporary focus on NATO air power requirements. Although not representing NATO policy, the authors’ perspectives cannot be overstated, if the Alliance is going to be capable of true deterrence and agile military response.’
Michael J. Hood, Lieutenant General, Royal Canadian Air Force Commander
‘Whether it is enhancing deterrence to the East or conducting counter-terrorist operations to the South, NATO increasingly relies on airpower to deliver rapid and precise responses to complex challenges. The Alliance’s Joint Air Power Competence Centre has sponsored this excellent white paper produced by outside experts which analyzes NATO airpower and suggests several practical ways to improve an already outstanding capability. NATO leaders should study this volume as the Alliance develops its new airpower strategy.’
Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, former NATO Secretary General (2004 –2009)
‘The present study of the JAPCC is helpful, worth reading and considering, since it shows essential elements and weaknesses of the Alliance’s military force and its nations and makes concrete proposals for overcoming deficits. I believe that the proposals are well suited to enriching national and internal defence planning processes and should be included in their respective work by political decision-makers, military and civil planners. I would like to see the study reach a large audience of readers, beyond the professional public, and thus contribute to improving the overall situation.’
Karl-Heinz Lather, former Chief of Staff Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (2007 –2010)
‘Given the changing international threat situation, it is important to be able to rely on ones allies. But many individual players do not automatically lead to joint success. In particular, the European member states of NATO must pool their capabilities in order to improve them. Increased defence spending is necessary to ensure a fairer distribution of the burden within the alliance. The White Paper provides an important basis for discussion on closer cooperation between the NATO countries in the field of collective air defence.’
Dr. Hans-Peter Bartels, Parliamentary Commissioner for the German Armed Forces
Recent Publications
What is ‘Air Power’ ?
‘Air Power is the ability to use air capabilities to influence the behavior of actors and the course of events.’
Summary of the September 2015 Meeting of PAMD DG1, 17 September 2015
‘Air Power is the ability to project military force in air or space by or from a platform (air, space, and surface based) or missile operating above the surface of the earth.’
Bi-SC Advice on NATO’s Future Strategy, Posture, and Adaption, 13 November 2015
‘Joint Air Power is a coherent and coordinated approach that allows all Services to apply military power in air or space from within any domain in order to generate desired effects across all domains.’
Bi-SC Final Report on Joint Air Power Capabilities, 7 December 2015
Some Facts about the Joint Air Power Competence Centre
What’s the organization of the JAPCC ?
Based on a Memorandum of Understanding, the JAPCC is sponsored by 16 NATO nations who provide a variety of experienced Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) from Air, Land and Maritime services. Through its multi-discipline organization, the JAPCC chooses the most suitable SMEs for the task and combines their knowledge and experience to fully contribute to transforming NATO’s A&S Power. More importantly, since the JAPCC is not constrained by the need for full consensus or by political expediency, it can offer the best military advice across the spectrum of A&S Power to NATO HQs and national policy making bodies.
What can the JAPCC do for you ?
Our primary customers are NATO entities and sponsoring nations. However, the JAPCC does accept Requests for Support (RfS) from other sources via our RfS form, which can be accessed through the JAPCC website. With numerous successful products and ever increasing connections with industry and academia, the JAPCC continues to build upon its reputation as NATO’s pre-eminent advocate for the development and enhancement of Joint A&S Power.
How does the JAPCC accomplish its mission ?
A&S Power SMEs, drawn from the Land, Maritime and Air components of the 16 MoU nations, conduct collaborative research into areas in which JAPCC assistance is requested by leveraging their independent thought and a global network of experts that reach across the military, academic and industrial spheres. The resulting analysis and solutions are disseminated via studies, reports, journal articles, seminars, panels and conferences.
JAPCC Mission
The JAPCC, as a team of multinational experts, is to provide key decision-makers effective solutions on Air and Space Power challenges, in order to safeguard NATO and the Nations’ interests.
JAPCC Vision
Be NATO’s catalyst for the improvement and transformation of Joint Air and Space Power; delivering effective solutions through independent thought and analysis.
Selected Media from NATO
How Joint ISR works
Air strength at the heart of eastern defence
NATO Members
Redefining intelligence with eyes, no arms
NATO Global Hawk
