The European Union's military force was declared operational on 19 May across its range of assigned tasks - humanitarian assistance, peacekeeping and peacemaking - but defence ministers have conceded that the European Rapid Reaction Force (ERRF) is constrained by military capability shortfalls.
Action plan project groups have been tasked with implementing solutions suggested by19 panels that were set up in 1997 to identify equipment needed by the ERRF.
Spain is heading the group overseeing in-flight refuelling, considering options such as multinational and national procurement through leases or modification of existing equipment. Germany is leading the strategic airlift panel, while France heads the unmanned air vehicles group, looking at operational concepts, airworthiness certification and procurement guidelines; and the space-based assets group.
No nation has offered to lead other project groups, including attack helicopters; cruise missiles and precision-guided munitions; intelligence, surveillance, target, acquisition and reconnaissance; strategic sealift; and support helicopters.
Germany is to take charge of a combat search and rescue panel to develop equipment, doctrine and concepts, and training as well as to increase equipment interoperability.
The UK has taken lead role in the headquarters group considering implementation of national HQ plans, and installation of communications infrastructure.
The Netherlands heads the group on theatre ballistic missile defence, investigating multinational and national procurement, training and further HQ integration, while Belgium fronts a group examining interoperability issues and developing procedures for evacuation and humanitarian operations.
Source: Flight International
