Located in Kalkar, Germany, the Joint Air Power Competence Centre (JAPCC) serves as a core centre for enhancing and transforming Joint Air and Space Power throughout NATO. With a diverse team of experienced subject matter experts in the fields of aviation, space, cyber, command & control, air defence, logistics, and more, from 14 nations, this organization plays a vital role in supporting the Alliance’s ongoing efforts to enhance Multi-Domain Operations. Through innovative contributions in the realms of Air and Space, this Centre is at the forefront of advancing the Alliance’s capabilities in these critical domains.
The Joint Air Power Competence Centre was established as the first Centre of Excellence in 2005 to fill a crucial void within NATO by providing the Alliance with a strategic-level proponent for Joint Air and Space Power. Currently, the Centre is under the leadership of General James B. Hecker, Director, who also serves as the Commander of Allied Air Command and U.S. Air Forces Europe and Africa. He is joined by Executive Director Lieutenant General Thorsten Poschwatta, who also commands the German Air Operations Command and the German Joint Force Air Component Headquarters. Additionally, Assistant Director Air Commodore Paul Herber and Chief of Staff Colonel Matthew Hanson, along with Air and Space subject matter experts, work together to deliver a wide range of products, services and exercise support to NATO Allies and Partners. These include publications, doctrine, and conferences aimed at enhancing joint air and space capabilities across the Alliance.
The Joint Air Power Competence Centre provides impartial, effective military advice on a wide range of Joint Air and Space Power issues to NATO, national policymakers, and military headquarters. Their engagement strategies include outreach to national organizations, exchanges with academia and industry for sharing knowledge, such as workshops, journals, and whitepapers.
One of their key events is the annual Joint Air and Space Power Conference, which offers a unique opportunity to discuss current and future challenges in Air and Space, especially in the context of Multi-Domain Operations. This year’s theme is “Challenges and Opportunities for Air and Space Power in an Evolving Security Environment.” Join them 8-10 October 2024 in Essen, Germany to exchange insights and ideas on how to strengthen Joint Air Power for the future.
The Joint Air Power Competence Centre has established two additional major annual events to promote engagement and collaboration within the air and space power community: the Think Tank Forum and the Joint Air and Space Power Network Meeting. The Think Tank Forum gathers national air warfare centres and similar entities to discuss common concerns and opportunities for collaboration. Similarly, the Joint Air and Space Power Network Meeting brings together international entities from NATO, European Union, and organizations who have Memorandums of Understanding with NATO to identify areas for improvement and develop concrete solutions to real problems. Visit japcc.org/events for more information or to register for their events.
The Joint Air Power Competence Centre also publishes various white papers and two journals annually, and is the custodian of several NATO doctrines, including the Allied Joint Doctrine for Air and Space Operations 3.3. Most of the publications are available here.
Visit LinkedIn, Twitter, and the JAPCC website for more information.
