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U.S. & European Airpower Hampered by interoperability Gaps, Rand Study​ Finds

WASHINGTON – Despite⁣ flying the same advanced fighter jets, U.S.and European air ⁣forces face important hurdles in fully supporting each other’s⁢ operations due⁣ to⁤ communication breakdowns, inconsistent policies, ⁤and a lack of dedicated coordination, ‌according to a new report by the rand Corporation. The findings, released this week, ‍highlight how these ‌interoperability⁢ issues coudl limit the agility and effectiveness⁢ of NATO airpower in a crisis.

The report focuses on ⁤challenges faced by U.S. Air Forces ‍in Europe – Air Forces ⁤Africa (USAFE) and its allies. While F-35s and other modern aircraft could ‌ considerably reduce reliance on aerial refueling by ⁣utilizing ‌airbases​ across Europe for ‌shorter‍ hops – including mandatory inspections after each landing – current limitations prevent seamless‍ support. ⁤

A key issue, the Rand study ‌found, stems from U.S. security concerns that restrict allied access⁣ to cross-service F-35s. Moreover, differing ⁢policies between U.S. fighter wings ⁢regarding the use of allied support equipment contribute to the problem. “Operational planners should be aware of this,” the report warns.

The⁤ lack of information sharing ‌also plays a critical role. “USAFE’s efforts to enhance‍ interoperability face a​ fundamental challenge: poor⁣ communication among key stakeholders, including USAFE‍ wings, HQ USAFE, ⁤and enterprise ​entities like AFLCMC [Air Force Life Cycle Management Center],” the report states.

These concerns⁤ echo findings from a ⁢parallel Rand study released in September, which identified coordination⁤ issues with partner nations ⁣regarding‍ critical infrastructure like aircraft arresting ​systems, fire and emergency services, base force protection, and post-attack base ⁣repair.

Rand researchers recommend the U.S. Air Force establish dedicated interoperability units. ‍These units, described⁢ as ‍”a dedicated, echelon-above-wing association or coordination cell focused specifically on partner interoperability,”‍ wouldn’t need to be⁤ large, but would require “a clear​ mandate, regular interaction with both headquarters and wings, and access to‌ relevant data,‍ planning documents, and decision-makers.”

According to Patrick ⁣Mills,⁢ a co-author⁤ of both rand‌ studies, improving interoperability⁣ would dramatically enhance⁣ European airpower. “Interoperability would​ make ‘European airpower far more ⁤agile and confident in crisis,'” Mills told Defense News.

He⁢ further‌ explained the economic benefits: “Fighter operations are enormously resource-intensive, drawing on base support and skilled maintainers ​that each nation and ​operating location has to replicate…If allied‍ fleets and ​bases⁤ could truly interoperate and integrate, that fragility would largely disappear.”