From May 29 to Jun 3, the Republic of Slovenia will host the multi-national live-fly Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) exercise Adriatic Strike 2022 for the tenth consecutive time. The Slovenian Armed Forces will host around 650 participants from 25 Allied and Partner nations bringing a mix of fighters, helicopters and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to provide realistic and complex JTAC training. The exercise overseen by the 15th Regiment of the Slovenian Air Force, will train certified joint fire controllers, UAV, fighter and helicopter crews, Special Forces, division commanders and joint fire planners this will all be brought together in a final continuous 72-hour mobile training serial.
“In these past years, the exercise has grown in the number of participating countries in support of multinational JTAC training. I am proud and honoured that Slovenia and the Slovenian Armed Forces host the multinational exercise Adriatic Strike 2022 for the tenth time. In these past years, the exercise has grown in the number of participating countries and air force capabilities, which support multinational JTAC training. The teams on the ground and crews in the air work hand in hand focusing on a common goal,” said Colonel Janez Gaube, Commander 15th Wing, Slovenian Air Force.
Air-Land integration is vital for NATO’s defensive and deterrent posture. For a decade, the international live-fly exercise Adriatic Strike has supported Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) currency training ensuring they perform the mandatory live aircraft controls each year. Live training at the multinational level with different operators and platforms is essential for both aircrew and JTACs to maintain their currency which enhances air-land cooperation. Many factors act to disrupt the link between pilot and air controller, a link that is essential to enable the accurate delivery of fire.
Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) is the term used in the United States Armed Forces and some other military forces for a qualified service member who directs the action of combat aircraft engaged in close air support and other offensive air operations from a forward position. The term that is used in most other countries, as well as previously in the US and in the relevant NATO standard is Forward Air Controller. The primary role of the Joint Terminal Attack Controller or Forward Air Controller is to direct combat strike aircraft onto enemy targets in support of ground troops.
