Now Reading: Albacete hosts the largest combat rescue training with the International Air Elite
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Albacete hosts the largest combat rescue training with the International Air Elite
The Albacete Air Base becomes, once again, the epicenter of the tactical training of the European air forces. From May 19 to 31will host the new edition of the Air-centric Personnel Recovery Operatives Course (APROC)The event is the largest and most prestigious hostile environment personnel recovery exercise held in Europe.
Organized by the European Personnel Recovery Center (EPRC)based in Poggio Renatico, Italy, the main objective of the course is to train aircrews of air assets and teams of extrication forces that make up the Personnel Recovery Task Forces (PRTFs). This training is essential to improve interoperability, coordination and effectiveness in high-risk missions, especially in complex scenarios where the lives of isolated personnel depend on rapid and accurate interventions.
Unprecedented deployment of resources
This year, APROC will count with the participation of 600 military personnel from Belgium, Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Romania and Spain.. The deployment will include 14 transport and attack helicopters, 6 Eurofighter Typhoon fighters, 1 command and control aircraft G-550 CAEWand ground teams specialized in rescue operations.
On Spain's side, there will be outstanding units present, such as the 14th Wing, the 48th Wing, the Méndez Parada Military Parachuting School, the Parachute Sapper Squadron, the 23rd Wingas well as the Special Air Operations and Personnel Recovery Headquarters. Army forces will also take part, such as the Maneuvering Helicopter Battalion III and the XIX Special Operations Flag of the Legion.
Theoretical training and field operations
The course consists of 10 school daysstarting with 3 days of theoretical instruction and continuing with 7 days of planning and execution of real flight missions. Each morning is dedicated to the detailed design of the missions, which are executed in the afternoon, with a progressive focus on the complexity of the operations.
These missions simulate rescue scenarios of isolated personnel in hostile territory, allowing participants to face real tactical challenges, under pressure and in high threat environments. One of the main objectives is to certify the pilots as Rescue Mission Commander (RMC)The highest qualification in this type of operations.
An event of maximum international relevance
This year's edition is the largest since the creation of APROC in 2015.. The Albacete Air Base, along with the personnel of the Wing 14will provide all the necessary logistical and operational support: from air traffic control, aircraft refueling and rescue services, to security, health care and ground transportation.
Since 2021, the Albacete Air Base has been consolidated as a permanent venue for this important international exercise, reinforcing its role as a reference in the advanced training of allied air forces and in multinational cooperation.
APROC not only contributes to the improvement of combat rescue capabilities, but also strengthens the position of Spain and the Albacete Air Base as the most important air base in Spain. leaders in elite tactical training at the international level.
