Elite 2008

Words Michael van der Mee.
Photographs by Nico van Remmerden and Michael van der Mee.

Already in 1991 on the initiative of JBG 32 (Lechfeld) and SAM Group 43, an exercise particularly for electronic warfare (EW) was established. The aim was to train the aircrews of the airborne Tornado weapon system in using their self-protective equipment against ground-based air defence, such as the ROLAND surface-to-air-missile system, in so-called dual-situations. This was to intensify the preparation of aircrews for international high-value exercises, called FLAG exercises in the NATO jargon.

The first to NATO members to participate in the exercise were the USA, France, Italy and Turkey. Over the years the duration of ELITE extended to almost two weeks and steadily established itself as an appreciated high-value exercise. Since then it has been the only national electronic warfare exercise of the Bundeswehr under overall responsibility of the Air Force that is conducted regularly.

The intensive exercise anylysis necessitated the revision and expansion of both framework conditions as well as contents and objectives. As a result adjustments were made, among other things, the exercise duration was increased to eleven days and the employment of weapon systems was rendered more precise by a balanced number and variety of ground-based and aerial components.

The succes is not only proved by the increase in the number of participants from ten in 2002 to 17 in 2003 from NATO, EU and PfP (Partnership-for-Peace) nations. After the first participation of Switserland and Portugal in 2002, Sweden and Slovenia in 2003, Spain and Austria could be welcomed to "TEAM ELITE" in 2004. Some 3000 military personnel, more than 10 ground vehicles and almost 100 aircraft participated in this exercise.

The exercise has already then been regarded as not only being unique due to the extensive international participation, but also as an opportunity to conduct an unrivalled "LIVE" exercise in the EW field. In the course of the further development of the exercise its great potential was consistently improved and the synergy and the learning effects between the "natural opponents", the combat crews of ground-based air defence and the airborne weapon systems were used appropriately.

ELITE also emphasises the great importance of electronic warfare and the capability of conducting suppression of enemy air defence (SEAD). The capabilities of the German Air Force in conjunction with the air forces of the NATO, EU and PfP-nations in this area are convincing and are continuously further developed by ELITE. The number of participants that considerably increased again from 2005 to 2008 is not the only clear evidence of this.

Elite meanwhile has developed into an exercise that goes far beyond the initial and continuation training within the units and is an integral part not only in the exercise cataloque of the Bundeswehr. This Air Force exercise is established and absolutely appreciated as a high-value exercise for Electronic Warfare (EW) for airborne and ground-based weapon system also at the international level.

In addition to numerous challenges regarding logistics, personnel and material during the planning and preparation phase that lasts almost one year and in the implementation phase, the evaluation of more than 1.200 missions is the key task task during ELITE. In a time-critical immediate evalutation and a comprehensive debriefing the data obtained with the state-of-the-art technology and easiest methods are processed and discussed according to the requirements of the combat crews. Lessons learned from that are directly brought to bear in the mission planning and implementation of the next exercise day.

The exercise further serves as preparation for other Air Force exercise or tactical evaluations.but, above all, it is a realistic preparation for possible operations in crisis or war regions. The integration and regulair participation of foreign units mainly from NATO countries increases ELITE`s value in terms of personnel and material and offers a valuable exchange of information.

In 2008, ELITE will be conducted once again in the time-honoured manner at the HEUBERG range. For optimisation purposes, both proven approaches and lessons learned from previous exercises are directly included in the current progresses on the part of the project organisation. New technological developments have to be included as well as changes of tactical procedures.

By changing the exercise frequency to a two year cycle from 2008 onwards, the Air Force takes account of the increased strains resulting from further large-scale exercises and current missions. This, however, provides the opportunity of analysing lessons learned in greater depht and consistently including the results in the planning, preparation and implementation.