Tactical Leadership Programme 2005-2

Between 28 February and 25 March 2005, the second TLP-course of 2005 was held at Florennes, Belgium. Generally, six TLP-courses are held every year. The objectives are to provide realistic training in air warfare. The participating crew have to deal with a new scenario everyday. Another objective is the exchange of information on e.g. tactics and weapons. Two groups are formed each time; those with the air-to-ground speciality and the air defenders. Once a year, they execute a Deployed Flying Course (formerly known as Out of Region). The sorties are flown throughout Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Denmark and the United Kingdom.

One of the participants was this Hellenic Air Force F-4E Phantom, 01525, from 338 MDV. Four modernised Phantoms flew from Florennes in the air to ground role during this TLP. These Phantoms were recently modernised under the Peace Icarus 2000 Programme.The laser designation pod is clearly visible.

Another Hellenic Air Force F-4E Phantom, serial 01520, is seen here in take off at Florennes.

The French Air Force participated in this edition of the TLP with four Mirage 2000N's from EC 2/4 based at Luxeuil. One of them, the 374/4-BS, is seen here in take off.

This Spanish Air Force EF-18, C.15-96/46-24, is seen here returning at Florennes. Three Spanish Hornets from Escadron 462, based at the Canary Islands, participated in the second TLP-course in 2005.

This edition of the TLP attracted many F-4 Phantoms from Germany and Greece. The German Phantoms flew Air Defence missions while the Hellenic Air Force Phantoms flew Air to Ground missions. This F-4F, with serial 38+53, is assigned to JG 74 which is based at Neuburg.

The Italian Air Force participated with F-16's and several AMX fighter-bombers. One of them, the MM7186/51-05, is seen here in take off. This AMX is based at Istrana and assigned to103° Gruppo, 51° Stormo.

34 Vipers (four of them are non-flyable) are delivered to the Italian Air Force under a program known as "Peace Caesar". The F-16's entered service to replace the aging fleet of Tornado and the F-104 fighters. The aircraft are leased for five years with a five-year follow-on option. This F-16A-ADF, with serial MM7244, belongs to 5° Stormo based at Cervia and is seen here returning at Florennes.

The Royal Air Force participated with four Tornado GR.4's from 9, 12 and 617 squadron. This Tornado GR.4 from 9 Squadron, serial ZA585/AH, is seen here still wearing the anniversary markings (1914-2004).

The USAFE participated with four F-16s. Two from Aviano and two from Spangdahlem, Germany. F-16C, 90-0813/SP, returns from the TLP-mission. This aircraft belongs to 22nd Fighter Squadron.

FR Aviation took part in this TLP course with a Falcon 20. This example, with serial G-FRAW, is equipped with e.g. ECM pods to provide electronic warfare training (for example advanced radar jamming and communications jamming) for the course participants. FR Avaition also provides threat simulation.